For Parnitha Visitors
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G U I D E FOR PARNITHA VISITORS Parnitha is located on the north side of Attica where it occupies a large area, 20 kilometers on a straight line or 36 miles drive from Athens. Parnitha and the mountains of Penteli, Hymettus and Egaleo – Pikilo surround the capital and its suburbs. The National Forest of Parnitha is easily accessible by car or cable car from Metohi up to the hotel Mont Parnes and the entrances to Fyli and Tatoi. 4 In Greece the need to preserve and protect the natural heritage and maintain the ecological balance of extensive areas in the country, while providing the public with opportunities for environmental education and activities, became understood very early on. In 1961, the National Park of Parnitha was established by R.D. 644/1961 and its initial management planned. According to its establishing Decree the Forest consisted of its core, which included the main part of the park and had an area of 3.800 hectares , and a peripheral zone measuring 25.000 hectares. After the disastrous fire of 2007 which destroyed 1.050 hectares of pine forest, 2.180 hectares of fir forest and 430 hectares of broadleaf evergreen, Presidential Decree “for the protection of the mountain of Parnitha” (Gov. Gazette 336/24-7-2007) was issued under which zones of protection were determined with the zone of absolute protection extended to 11.000 hectares. The elevation of the park ranges from about 400 m. (South Metohi) to 1.413m (Karavola), with highest peaks at Ornio (1.350m), Avgo (1.201m) and Kyra (1.160 m). The area of Parnitha belongs to the geographical region of Sterea Ellada, the Regional Units of Eastern and Western Attica. Administratively it belongs to four municipalities: The Municipalities of Acharnes, Fili, Dionysus and Oropos. The Forest Services of Parnitha, Kapandriti and the Forestry Directorate of Eastern Attica are responsible for the National Forest of Parnitha. The Parnith National Park is managed by the Management Body of National Forest Park of Parnitha, of which the Executive Board includes representatives of the Region, the Forest Service of Parnitha, Municipalities, Ministries and NGOs. Campanula celsii subsp. parnesia Crocus sieberi subsp. atticus FritilariaFritilaria obliquaobliqua subsp.subsp. obliquaobliqua Cyclamen graecum FLORA-VEGETATION In the National Park of Parnitha the presence of 1.100 plant species was established. Most of these plants are typical of Mediterranean flora such as haleppo pine, kermes oaks, strawberry trees, heather prickly juniper, mock privet, myrtle, judas tree, holm oak and many more. In wet areas we will meet hydrophilic flora, like poplars, willows, ashes, planes, while on the rocks, slopes and meadows we will find a number of flowers coloring the landscape of the mountain mostly in the spring: orchids, tulips, lilies, crocus. Two species are exclusive Parnitha endemics: the bellflower (Campanula celsil ssp. parnesia) and the catchfly of Parnitha (Silene oligantha ssp. parnesia). Beyond the common species there are over 100 species of particular interest either because they are found only in Greece (endemic) or because they are rare. A typical such plant is the fir (Abies cephalonica). The beautiful fir forest surrounding the mountain peaks, is unique in Attica and lives with the black pine (Pinus nigra). Around the mountain we find pine forests consisting of haleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) and if we get to higher altitudes we will find pine mixed with fir and prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) and yet elsewhere mixed with shrubs such as kermes oaks and strawberry trees. In the autumn we can find a rich variety of mushrooms. While they can be delicious and nutritious food, we must be careful because of the 81 species of Parnitha five are poisonous and one can cause death! Abies cephalonica Cervus elaphus Cervus elaphus Caprus aegagrus ssp. Cretica FAUNA In Parntitha we find 42 of the 116 mammal species in the country. Of these 35 are protected and even 23 are rare and endangered. Today, the main representative of the fauna of Parnitha is the red deer (Cervus elaphus). According to April 2012 data by the Management Body, the deer population is approximately 1000. Also there is a small but appreciable population of Cretan wild goat (Caprus aegagrus ssp. Cretica) who lives free in rocky areas of the park. There Cervus elaphus are also groups of roe deer. Other mammals such as hare, fox, beech marten, squirrel, hedgehog, birds such as the sparrowhawk, the owl, the robin, the golden eagle, the genius, the hoopoe, the goldfinch, nightingale; reptiles such as turtles, snakes and lizards, and amphibians such as salamanders, newts, toads and frogs, complete the puzzle of the rich fauna of Parnitha. Innumerable are the insects that will impress us at springtime with their variety and colors. Cave of Panas Platanos Tatoi Aghios Petros CAVES – GORGES – SPRINGS Most of Parnitha is covered by Mesozoic limestone. Due to the composition of its rocks, Parnitha has more than 20 caves and gorges, the most important of which are: the cave of Panas, at the northeastern edge of the gorge Keladona, the gorge at the Keramidi summit, the Tamilthio gorge, the Goura gorge, the cave of Decelea between Katsimidi and Mola, the cave of Davelis in the Tatoi forest and the cave of Agia Triada. Beneath the layer of limestone rocks are Paleozoic slate and sandstones. In the contact area of the two layers contact springs are created, 46 of them are found throughout the National Forest. Some of the best known springs are those of Aghia Triada, Koromilia, Saint Peter Mola, Platanos Tatoi, Saint George at Keramidi, Platanos, Fyli, the spring in Mpafi, in Mesiano Nero, the Villiani. Pathway Mola Skipiza Aghios Giorgios Keramidi Mpafi refuge ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES Walking Its short distance from Athens, good roads and the existence of two mountain refuge areas in Mpafi and Flampouri make Parnitha an ideal place for recreation. An extensive network of trails offers the opportunity to hike through areas of outstanding natural beauty. Many of them after the fire on 28-6-2007 pass either entirely or partially through the burned areas. The main trails are: • Fyli - Sfendali (26.400 m) • Thrakomakedones - Avlonas (21.150 m) • Profotis Ilias (Avlona) - Loimiko (13.550 m) • Amygdaleza – Moni Kleiston (12.300 m) • Metohi - Mpafi refuge (9.500 m) • Avlonas – Loimiko (8.750 m) • Ag. Paraskevi-Loimiko (7.800 m) • M. Kypriano - Kiafa Pini (4.400 m) • Varympopi Rock - Mola (7.400 m) • Katsimidi - Fampouri refuge (5.750 m) • Chouni - Flampouri refuge (5.750 m) • Thrakomakedones - Flambouri refuge (3.300m) • Mont Parnes - Mpafi refuge (3.250 m) • Diaselo Panos - Goura (2.650m) • Paliomilesi - Saloniki (1.500 m) Cave of Panas Climbing Due to the intense relief of Parnitha great rock climbing areas exist such as Chouni and Aghia Triada, the rock of Varympopi and the Keladona Gorge. Mountain Biking A very popular sport experiencing continuous growth in Parnitha is mountain biking. A dense network of cycling paths is created in both the core and the peripheral zone of the park. Best known is the circular path in Kithara in Tatoi. Cave of Panas Guided Tours Since 2007 the Management Body implements a Programme of Environmental education in schools and associations. The purpose of the program is to raise awareness of the value of protecting and preserving the natural environment. The tours are accompanied by a Supervisor-National Parks Guide. More information about the program provided on the site of the Authority (www.parnitha.net). The Forest Service of Parnitha and WWF organize environmental education programs and tours, as part of the National Forest information and awareness effort. PlatanosPlatanos TatoiTatoi Μola Recreation Platanos Tatoi Three large recreation areas are at the core of the Parnitha National Park (Mpafi, Messiano Nero, Mola) and several others in the regional zone (Metohi, Platanos Tatoi, Katsimidi, Aghios Merkourios, Fylis spring) with all the appropriate infrastructure for food and recreation. The recent wildfire burned completely the recreational areas in Platana, Viliani and “Dasos ton Giganton” (the Giants’ Forest). Spring of Xasia Chapels Many small chapels are scattered in Parnitha located next to water springs in wonderful places. Best known are the Chapel of Aghia Triada, Aghios Petros in Mola, Aghios Georgios in Keramidi, Aghia Paraskevi in Fyli, Aghios Nicholas in Loimiko and Aghios Mercurios. Aghia Triada Aghios Petros - Mola Castle of Fyli Archaeological sites In Ancient Greece Parnitha appears as a natural fortress and the bastion of Attica to attacks from the north. Important fortresses were those of Panaktos, Fyli, Katsimidi and Dhekelia while fortified positions and towers were Leipsidrio, the tower of Loimiko etc. In the cave of Panas many devotional objects were found while in Dhekelia was the tomb of the Greek Tragedian Sophocles. The summer palace at Tatoi is an important cultural monument, which can now be rehabilitated and made accessible to the general public. Volunteer Organizations In the region of Parnitha several clubs and organizations are active and help to protect and promote the Park. These are: WWF-Greece, club - Friends of the Forest, EDASA, EPOS Fyli, the Mountaineering Association Acharnon and the Alpine Club of Athens. A few tips ... We walk as much as possible. The area does not reveal its beauty and secrets easily–we must get to know it. We always follow trails or forest paths that have been opened specifically for this purpose. This reduces both the chance for us to get lost and to unwittingly cause damage to the flora and fauna of the area. “We ask to find out”. Knowledge about the ecological and cultural richness of Parnitha is a tool for the protection of the region and a key factor in our acquaintance with it.