A particular way to discover the nature, culture, and gastronomy in Italy is within the 24 national parks scattered throughout the country. Italian national parks cover about 5% of the total territory of Italy. From north to south, you will find these natural wonders in the northern Italian Alps, Apennines mountains, Po River basin, Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts, Mediterranean islands, Dolomite mountains, and even close to urban centers. Italy has significantly improved environmentally friendly technology and increased conservation of biodiversity - the national parks are an example of this gallant effort. These parks provide tourists with the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving plants and animals as well as the opportunity to go hiking, skiing, and viewing wildlife.
Abruzzo is known to be "the greenest region in Europe" since nearly half of the region consists of national parks and protected nature reserves. Of the 24 national parks in all of Italy, there are 3 parks located in Abruzzo: Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga and Parco Nazionale della Majella.
Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
Founded in 1922, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is the oldest park in the Apennine mountain range and the second oldest national park in Italy. Its headquarters are located in Pescasseroli, in the province of L’Aquila. This park covers 25 municipalities across 3 regions. The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park plays an important role in the preservation of the Italian wolf, the Abruzzo chamois (goat-antelope) and Marsican brown bear. The scenery is characterized by mountains, rivers - including the Sangro River - and streams.
It’s the ideal place to spend time in close contact with nature and admire uncontaminated landscapes, with rich flora and varied fauna. You will also find incredible cultural sites and villages within the park. Your visit must include the 12th-century Abbey of Santi Pietro e Paolo, which has been restored several times and is home to a wooden statue of a Black Madonna. You can also enjoy a beautiful day at Lago di Barrea. This lake is a true oasis, located in the Meta Mountains overlooking the quaint medieval village of Barrea.
Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga
Founded in 1991, The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is located across most of the Abruzzo region, in the provinces of L’Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo. A small part of the park is also located in the region of Le Marche to the north. The headquarters are located in Assergi, L’Aquila. This park is one of the largest protected parks in all of Europe and is centered around the giant massif of the Gran Sasso. The Corno Grande (great horn) is the highest point in the Apennine mountain range and part of the Gran Sasso massif. Just beneath the peak of the Corno Grande is home to the Calderone, considered the southernmost glacier in Europe.
You can also explore the immense alpine meadow known as the Campo Imperatore, also called “Little Tibet''. Inside the Campo Imperatore you’ll find Albergo di Campo Imperatore - known today as a main ski resort, the hotel is infamously remembered for being the prison of Benito Mussolini for a short period in 1943. On the southern side of the Campo Imperatore, you can explore the picturesque medieval towns of Santo Stefano in Sessanio, Castel del Monte as well as the fortress of Rocca Calascio.
Parco Nazionale della Majella
Located completely in Abruzzo, the Majella (Maiella) National Park is spread across the Chieti, Pescara and L’Aquila provinces. The name Maiella derives from the goddess “Maia” (the mother of Mercury) and local inhabitants often call this massif “the mother of mountains”. This park is centered around the Maiella massif with the highest peak being Monte Amaro. Due to its altitude, inaccessibility and prominence most of this park's territories are uninhabited so human-made structures, like ski resorts and roads, are fewer than those in other national parks of Italy.
Because of this, wildlife has flourished. The most representative animal is the Italian wolf and it is believed the Italian wolf population density in the Maiella National Park is one of the highest in Italy and arguably the world. Along with wildlife, you’ll often find cyclists riding through sections of the park since many routes have been used as part of the famous Giro d’Italia cycling race. Unique sites to visit within the park are the cave paintings at Grotta Sant’Angelo and Grotta del Cavallone. If you find yourself in the park during lunch time stop at Ristorante Fonte Romana for homemade pasta. Surely not least, if time permits, don’t forget to pass through Pacentro, Caramanico Terme and the Giardino Botanico in Sant’Eufemia.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.