The List of Monumental Trees of Italy Updated in 2024
In 2024, Italy celebrates the inclusion of 404 new monumental trees in its national list. However, 37 specimens have been removed from the list due to natural death, felling or deterioration. After these changes, the total number of protected and valorized trees reaches 4,655 units.
The updated list was recently published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (Masaf).
Ecological and Cultural Value of Monumental Trees
Monumental trees are characterized by their biological and ecological significance, as well as representing an invaluable historical and cultural heritage. In addition to their rarity, many of these trees serve as habitats for various animal species.
The most common species on the list include:
- Roverella: 614 specimens
- Beech: 243 specimens
The Italian regions that boast the greatest number of monumental trees are:
- Friuli Venezia Giulia: 511 specimens
- Lombardy: 431 specimens
- Sardinia: 426 specimens
In particular, the municipalities with the highest concentration of monumental trees are Naples (53 trees), Caserta (51 trees), and Trieste and Priverno (48 trees).
New Additions to the List of Green Patriarchs
Among the recent inclusions, some extraordinary examples stand out:
- A chestnut tree in the municipality of Grosio (Sondrio), which boasts an age of approximately 900 years, known for its ecological value and botanical rarity.
- The balga at the Botanical Garden of the Bourbon Palace of Portici (Naples), a plant native to Australia, over 200 years old, famous for its extremely slow growth.
- The olivastro of Castelsardo (Sassari), capable of welcoming up to 200 people under its foliage.
- The holm oak of Bagno a Ripoli (Florence), recognizable by its broad crown and elegant shape.
Masaf stressed that the official list is the result of a coordinated activity between the General Directorate of Forests of Masaf, the regional Forestry Corps and Services, the autonomous Provinces and the Municipalities.
A Look to the Future
The importance of protecting monumental trees cannot be underestimated. These green giants not only enrich the Italian landscape, but also represent a natural heritage to be preserved for future generations. The continuous cataloguing and valorisation of monumental trees is essential to guarantee the protection of the environment and biodiversity in our country.