Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ABRUZZO
Best known for its dramatic mountain scenery, Abruzzo's landscape is surprisingly diverse.
A vast plain extends east of Avezzano, the coastline is flat and sandy, and there are ancient
forests in the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.
Many towns retain a medieval look, while the numerous hilltop castles and isolated,
sometimes abandoned,
borghi
(medieval towns) exude a sinister charm, lending credence
to Abruzzo's fame as an ancient centre of magic, and the land of a thousand castles.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga
About 20km northeast of L'Aquila, the Gran Sasso massif is the centrepiece of the Parco
Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, one of Italy's largest national parks. The
park's predominant feature is its jagged rocky landscape through which Europe's southern-
most glacier, the Calderone, cuts its course. It's also a haven for wildlife, home to an estim-
ated 40 wolves, 350 chamois and six pairs of royal eagles. Hiking trails criss-cross the park
and atmospheric castles and medieval hill towns crown the foothills.
Rocca Calascio
, 6km west of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, is one such imposing castle dom-
inating the skyline above the Navelli Plain. There's not much to see inside, but the views
are stupendous, and from a distance the castle makes an impressive photograph.
Fonte Cerreto
is the main gateway to the Gran Sasso and
Campo Imperatore
(2117m), a
high windswept plateau 27km long and known as Italy's 'Little Tibet'. A
funivia
(cable car;
0862 60 61 43; €15 Mon-Fri, €17 Sat & Sun; 8am-5pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun, closed May)
runs up
to the Campo from Fonte Cerreto. Up top, there's hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
For more information contact the
park office
( 0862 6 05 21;
www.gransassolagapark.it
;
Via del
Convento 1; 10.30am-1pm Mon-Fri & 4-6pm Tue & Thu)
in Assergi.
One of the most popular trekking routes is the surprisingly straightforward climb up
Corno Grande
- at 2912m, it's the Apennines' highest peak. The 9km
via normale
(normal
route) starts in the main parking area at Campo Imperatore and heads to the summit. The
trail should be clear of snow from early June to late September/early October. If attempting
the ascent, or any other serious route, be sure to arm yourself with the CAI 1:25,000 map
Gran Sasso d'Italia
(€10).
