parco naturale regionale saline di punta della contessa
an oasis between industrial areas
This Regional Natural Park, a few kilometers South of Brindisi city, extends between Capo di Torre Cavallo and Punta della Contessa. Although it is located between prochemical industry and an electricity plant, this wetland measuring 214 hectares is of great ornithological and landscape interest due to the presence of a set of temporary coastal basins with a substrate of Pleistocene silt and clay. These are fed by canalised watercourses coming from the hinterland, called 'Le Chianche' and 'Foggia di Rau', while the basins further South are also fed by fresh water springs and undergo the introduction of sea water, often after strong Adriatic sea storms.
salty history
The Saline Regie, which constitute the basins further north than the ponds, were commercialy exploitated between the 13th and 18th century, with an attempted reuse in the 19th century. The salt that came from here was donated to local citizens on the orders of King Ferdinand I of Aragon around the year 1465 in order to encourage the repopulation of the city. With the end of commercial exploitation of the area, it became a marshy expanse that fell dry in summer.
birdwatching
The basins are separated from the sea by the sandy beach which also extends for a width of 15 metres. The entire area has valuable vegetation aspects and is made up of extensive samphire forests and lagoon environments.
This is an important site for the nesting and resting place of aquatic migratory avifauna: around 14 nesting species have been reported, including oystercatchers, swans, coots, herons, mallards, tufted duck. The vegetation is mainly made up of rupopia chirrosa, agropyron junceum, ammophilla and many belonging to other phenological categories that are of international interest. The presence of a viable and reproductive population of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis has also been reported. Small 'lookouts' have been built in the area from which it is possible to enjoy these animals.
accessibility
The area is free to access (mobile vehicles are strictly excluded), therefore it is necessary to leave the car and walk a long way. No particular restrictions on days and times. It is a protected area equipped with two huts/observatories, but completely open and without any fence.
how to get there
Traveling on the Strada Statale 16 Brindisi-Lecce (continuation towards Lecce of the E55 or SS379 coming from Bari), take the exit for the Industrial Zone of Brindisi and follow the Litoranea Salentina until the first roundabout, choose the 1st exit (via Guido Natta) and at the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit (via Enrico Fermi). Continue along the long avenue of via E. Fermi until the first roundabout and choose the 1st exit (Strada per Pandi). Always follow the road to Pandi, (at the next roundabout the road turns left, follow the signs for the fish factory), along the preimeter of the old ugly looking industrial area (disused ), until you reach a stretch of dirt road that takes you to the sea.
At this point, park the car in a silty dirt area or take advantage of the large car park that you will have seen on your right when you arrive. You will be on the extreme Northern edge of the Saline territory and can discover the park heading South from there.