Cammino dei Briganti
Technical Information
The route is to be walked independently: it is essential to read the guide – which contains detailed descriptions, practical information, contacts for accommodation – and to follow the map carefully. The circular route is designed to be walked clockwise: if you decide to walk it anticlockwise, pay particular attention at junctions so as not to lose the path. In this case, we recommend using GPS tracks, which can be downloaded free of charge from the website.
Duration
7 days
Distance
108 km
Difficulty
medium
Altitude difference
440 m (avg.)
Number of Stages
7
On the Trails of History, Amidst Wild Nature
The journey begins and ends in Sante Marie (AQ), near Tagliacozzo, following a circular route that takes you through the stunning valleys of Val de’ Varri and Valle del Salto, and the slopes of Monte Velino, retracing the footsteps of brigands.
This trail, which winds through forests and mountains on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio, leads you through the lands of Marsica and Cicolano – a territory that once marked the frontier between the Papal States and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was here, along this border, that brigands lived, moving from one side to the other depending on the dangers they faced. They were free spirits, forced into hiding for refusing to submit to the new rulers and for resisting the Savoy invasion, which had compelled the local population to join the army.
Covering 108 kilometres, the Cammino dei Briganti can be completed in about seven days, passing through 18 medieval villages. It brings to life stories from 150 years ago – the exploits of Banda di Cartòre, led by the brigand Berardino Viola, and of those who followed Carmine Crocco and the Spanish general José Borjes.
The Cammino is an easy trail to travel on foot or by mountain bike (with only minor differences between the two routes). It is clearly signposted with white-and-red waymarks, and there are equipped stopover points along the way. You can walk it in any season – in winter snowshoes are recommended for safety – since most of the route lies at moderate altitude, between 800 and 1,300 metres, with higher elevations only on the optional stage to the lake Lago della Duchessa.
You can choose to walk just a few stages or the entire loop. Either way, take your time to enjoy each place fully, to stay mindful, and to breathe in the evocative atmosphere of this land. The natural beauty of Abruzzo is wild and authentic. Come and discover this untamed region along the Cammino dei Briganti – an immersive journey to be experienced at a slow pace, in tune with ancient rhythms.
