The Piana del Dragone is located in the municipality of Volturara Irpina, in a natural basin of the Monti Picentini. It is a stunning place, completely immersed in greenery, which enchants visitors every year with its extraordinary transformation: from a boundless expanse of green in summer to the so-called Lago Dragone in winter. Of great interest is the nature walk along the path from the Bocca del Dragone to the lock near the lake, which prevents the raging waters from flooding the entire town.
The Piana del Dragone of Volturara Irpina
The Piana del Dragone extends over a flat area of approximately 1,100 hectares, located at an altitude of 685 meters above sea level. It is the most important hydrogeological basin in Campania, as it supplies the springs that bring water to the regions of Puglia and Campania. Furthermore, being entirely surrounded by the mountains that border it, including Mount Terminio, it can be considered a true natural amphitheater.
Given the presence of limited sandy alluvial deposits and large quantities of earthy mud, it is assumed that the plain is of karst origin.
The Dragon’s Mouth and Dragone Lake
In the past, rainwater and snow flowing from the Terminio Massif towards the plain flooded the entire town of Volturara. Following the earthquake that shook the slopes of Mount Costa, a natural chasm called Bocca del Dragone opened up, which acts as a natural sinkhole for stagnant water in the plain. Following this phenomenon, in the winter, rainwater tends to collect in the lowest part of the plain, forming a natural basin called Dragon Lake.
The legend surrounding the name of the Dragon Plain
According to an ancient legend, the Dragon Plain took its name because, near the three-arched underground sinkhole, known precisely as the Dragon’s Mouth, lived a three-headed dragon that terrorized the villagers. The three cavities arose precisely after the creature settled in that precise location. A brave knight named Gesio, determined to free the inhabitants of Volturara from terror, descended armed with a sword into the caves occupied by the dragon, managing to slay it. It is said that when the water rushes into the Dragon’s Mouth, it recalls the sound of the blood flowing from the dragon killed by Gesio.
The Metamorphosis of the Dragon’s Plain
The Dragon’s Plain is a place to experience and appreciate all year round. In summer, thanks to the presence of rides and a picnic area, it is perfect for an outing with family or friends. It is equally spectacular in winter when the landscape changes completely and the entire green meadow, on which in the summer months people play football or lie down to sunbathe, becomes the lake bed, surrounded by deep, soft snow.
The major springs
Thanks to the important regulating function of the forest, small springs and sources of fresh, perennial water abound, among which the most important are: Acque delle Logge, which flows at an altitude of 1,260 m above sea level, Acqua degli Uccelli, and Acqua del Cerchio.
The waters coming from the mountain tops disappear into ravines known as Ventare before reaching the valley, which feed the Acqua springs. Mieroli, Aunt Maria’s Water, Walnut Water and Serra. It is precisely in the Serra areas that we find the most abundant hydrophilic zones.
With this blog, we hope we’ve convinced you to visit Volturara Irpina and the Piana del Dragone, a magical place where you can admire with incredulous eyes how nature can amaze in all its forms.
Biodiversity and agri-food excellence: the home of the Quarantino Bean
In addition to representing a fundamental ecosystem for hydrogeological balance, the Piana del Dragone boasts a rich biodiversity that makes it a prime destination for lovers of eco-sustainable tourism and birdwatching. The wetlands that form during the winter and spring seasons become a vital habitat and temporary refuge for numerous species of migratory birds. But the extraordinary connection between this area and nature is also expressed through its gastronomic excellence: it is precisely in the fertile volcanic soils of this valley that the renowned Quarantino Bean of Volturara Irpina is grown. Recognized as a Slow Food Presidium, this legume with ancient origins grows thanks to the unique microclimate of the plain, becoming the undisputed protagonist of traditional local recipes and attracting more and more food and wine enthusiasts every year in search of authentic flavors.
