The Surroundings

Nature Itineraries

National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise (P.N.A.L.M) : One of the very few areas in Western Europe where amid the wide forests in the mountains or the high-altitude prairies it is still possible to see the Marsian bear, the Abruzzo Chamois, the Wolf, Lynx and the Royal Eagle. This very ancient park is a model success story, since it was able to join conservation of the natural landscape with the social and economic development of the many small historical centers included in its territory.

The National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Established in 1991, it includes territories of the provinces of L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, Ascoli Piceno and Rieti with a surface area of over 150,000 hectares which make it one of the largest in Italy. The variety of the wildlife and the astounding beauty of the mountains, along with the many enchanting mountain villages offer to visitors a wide selection of itineraries in all seasons of the year.

The Majella National Park This is a unique park, both for its geographical position, for the majestic landscapes, the different climates and ecosystems, and includes in its territory precious niches that for their bio-diversity wealth have European and world importance.

The Sirente-Velino Regional Park This park includes four different areas: the middle Aterno valley, the Valle Subequana, the Rocche plateau and northern Marsica, each with a wealth of history, architecture, archeological site and unique natural landscapes, with rare animal and plant species.

The Stiffe Grottos A few km from Bomicaco, 17 km from L'Aquila, the Stiffe grottos are among the most beautiful in Italy. The caves were created by an underground water stream, that flows all along the 600 meters where visitors are allowed, forming rapids and waterfalls in the different chambers called Sala della Cascata, Sala delle Concrezioni, Sala del Lago Nero. At Christmastime a crib is made inside one of the grottos, which was dedicated to John Paul II on the 50th anniversary of his priesthood.

Historical & Artistic Itineraries

Peltuinum This archeological site a few km from Bominaco is included in the territories of Prata d'Ansidonia and San Pio delle Camere. The ancient Roman town flourished between the 1st century BC and the second AD, and had a key role in the political, economic and strategic control of the transhumance activity. It was abandoned in the 4th century AD, probably after an earthquake.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio This picturesque medieval borough rises at 1250 a.s.l, and enjoys an astounding view of the Tirino and Pescara river valley. It is dominated by a round Medicean tower of the 14th century AD, and is among the best preserved medieval boroughs in Abruzzo, with the narrow steep alleys and flights of steps, the plain stone facades of the houses, the renaissance palaces, the walled citadel.

Rocca Calascio Among the highest villages in the Apennines, the citadel was built at the foot of an ancient castle, called "La Rocca", which for its peculiar, unique military architecture and exceptional position has become almost a symbol of Abruzzo.

Capestrano Situated on a hill overlooking the Tirino Valley at 500 meters a.s.l., the village is dominated by the Piccolomini castle. Just outside the village there is the monastery of St Frances, built by St John of Capestrano, a hero of the last crusade. The place is also famous for one among the most important archeological findings of pre-.Roman Italy, a finely sculpted life-size statue of a king of the 7th century BC, commonly called the Capestrano Warrior, nowadays hosted in the Archeological Museum of Chieti.

Other destinations

L'Aquila The region capital, a medieval city rich in history and culture, L'Aquila is well worth a visit. The most interesting places to see are the Fountain of the 99 Spouts, commemorating the foundation of the city in the mid-13th century, the Renaissance basilica of St. Bernardine of Siena, where the Franciscan saint is buried, the majestic, isolated Romanesque Santa Maria di Collemaggio, with the mausoleum of St. Peter Celestine, the Spanish Fortress, the second-largest castle in southern Italy, which hosts the National Museum of Abruzzo, as well as a myriad of small alleys and flights of steps, all leading to the large, central Piazza Duomo, where a market is held every morning.

Scanno Among the most beautiful mountain villages in Italy, built on a hill over a heart-shaped lake, Scanno is well-known for the unique female costume, which many elderly ladies still wear, for its goldsmith's tradition, which in the century produced wonderful creations, for its special cakes called mostaccioli, for the many wood and copper artisans still making traditional product. Its unique features make it a perfect destination both for summer and winter tourism.

Sulmona The old capital of Roman Abruzzo, Sulmona is rich of Roman remains, such as the perfect aqueduct, of history and traditions, as the best confetti in the world, for which the place has been known for centuries. The quiet, provincial atmosphere is a pleasant discovery for those who have to commute to work in the rush hours in the middle of nightmarish traffic jams. Also a place of culture, being the hometown of Latin poet Ovid ("Sulmo mihi patria est") and a place of pilgrimage for the hermitages built in the shadow of the Morrone Group by St. Peter Celestine.