Every tree has a story to tell. Some, however, tell the story of an entire country.
With the eighth update of the National List, 95 more trees have been officially recognised as ‘Monumental Trees of Italy’, bringing the total number of green giants protected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (Masaf) to 4,749. A natural heritage that goes far beyond its biological impressiveness: it is a journey into the most authentic soul of our territory, where landscape, memory and tradition intertwine among centuries-old roots and foliage that touch the sky.
Monumental trees are more than just botanical presences. They are identity symbols that unite science and myth, nature and culture. They are chosen for their exceptional age, for the rarity of the species, for their singular shape or for their connection with historical events, popular legends, religious rites or local customs. Some are refuges of biodiversity, others are true plant monuments embedded in the urban or rural fabric.
Among the most fascinating new entries are the double row of 163 locust trees in Castelnuovo Don Bosco (AT), an extraordinary example of landscape harmony; the Caucasian walnut in Campiglione Fenile (TO), which stands out next to a historic villa like a natural work of art; the majestic silver fir in Paularo (UD), over 53 metres tall, now considered the tallest native tree in Italy; and the centuries-old horse chestnut in Prepotto (UD), which has watched over the Capuchin friary for over 150 years.
The census is the result of a virtuous synergy between Masaf’s General Directorate for Forests, the regional and provincial forestry services and the municipalities, which together have drawn up a true map of Italy’s arboreal beauty. Among the most widespread species are the downy oak (616 specimens) and beech (251), while in terms of territory, Friuli Venezia Giulia (543 monumental trees), Lombardy (431) and Sardinia (426) stand out. The municipalities with the highest number of green patriarchs? Naples (53), Caserta (51), Trieste and Priverno (48).
Every monumental tree is an invitation to travel.
Masaf’s mapping, which can be consulted online, can also become an ideal guide for a new kind of tourism: slow, conscious, inspired by the natural and cultural beauty of Italy. Travelling around Italy following the tracks of its monumental trees means immersing oneself in authentic landscapes, rediscovering hidden villages, and letting oneself be enchanted by those green giants that continue to speak to our roots.
👉 See the complete list on the Masaf website
https://www.masaf.gov.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/23180