Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga

Stretching across Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche, the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is an immense park, one of the largest and most captivating protected areas in Europe, covering over 150,000 hectares. It’s a wild, rugged land that enchants visitors with its soaring peaks, picturesque villages and abundant wildlife.

The park’s crown jewel is His Majesty, the Gran Sasso d’Italia, the highest mountain in the Apennines. Its summit, the Corno Grande, at 2,912 metres, is home to the Calderone Glacier, the only glacier in the Apennines and the southernmost in Europe – a true rarity to behold. The Monti della Laga, meanwhile, are famed for their lush forests and spectacular waterfalls.

Beechwoods, alpine meadows, expansive pastures and deep gorges: the park offers a diverse and ever-changing landscape that surprises at every step. Its flora and fauna are incredibly rich, including iconic species such as the Apennine chamois, wolves, golden eagles, and numerous rare and endemic plants.

But the park is more than just nature. It also boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Assergi, Barisciano, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and other medieval villages perched on the mountainsides enchant visitors with their timeless atmosphere.

Among the treasures not to be missed is Rocca Calascio, a medieval fortress steeped in legend and featured in films, sure to leave visitors spellbound.

Hiking, mountain biking, climbing – the park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hundreds of marked trails wind through stunning landscapes and lead to medieval villages, castles and unforgettable viewpoints.

The Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is a truly unique destination, where you can immerse yourself in pristine nature and breathe the pure mountain air. A genuine jewel of Abruzzo, simply waiting to be discovered… by you.

Ph credit: Tourist photographic archive of the Abruzzo Region