Il Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e dei Monti della Laga

Forests, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna are what make this National park one of the most fascinating places in Italy.
The protected area extends for about 149,000 hectares through 3 regions (Abruzzo, the Marche and Lazio) and 5 provinces (Teramo, L'Aquila, Ascoli Piceno and Rieti) 8 mountain communities, and 44 comuni.
9/10 of the area is in Abruzzo and 14 of the 44 comuni are in the province of Teramo (Arsita, Campli, Castelli, Civitella del Tronto, Cortino, Crognaleto, Fano Adriano, Isola del Gran Sasso, Montorio al Vomano, Pietracamela, Rocca Santa Maria, Toricella Sicura, Tossicia and Valle Castellana).
The area includes two of the most important massifs of the Apennines : Gran Sasso d'Italia, which includes the Corno Grande (mt. 2912) with beautiful glacial valleys, the southernmost in Europe; such as Val Chiarino, Venacquaro and Calderone Valleys as well as The Laga range which includes Monte Gorzano (mt. 2458) , and boasts numerous streams and waterfalls (Morricana, Scalette, Volpara etc) whose formation is favored by the areas clayey soils.
The largest artificial lake in Europe is also found in these mountains. It is called Lago di Campotosto an migrating birds use it as a safe and peaceful resting place.
To the north we find the massif of the Monti Gemelli (crossed by the Gole (gorges) of Salinello) with their distinctive shape carved by water.
Caves and gorges call to mind ancient pagan religious rites. Along the parks various roads you will find ancient castles (Castel Manfrino) or old stone villages (Pietracamela) but also well protected, important flora and fauna. Indeed it's not unusual to see the Abruzzo chamois, royal eagles, eagle-owl, Orsini vipers, wild boar, wolves, wild cats, snow field mice, Peregrine falcons, Greek partridge, great-crest grebes, and herons.
And you can also admire centuries-old beech trees, alpine rosalie, birch, silver fir as well as alpine poppies, windflowers, buttercups, gentian and wild orchids.
The park is also full of culture and history. As you travel through the park's villages you will find traces of human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic period and precious finds linked to artisan traditions and ancient religious worship.

SERVICES CENTERS

Central Offices Isola del Gran SassoTel. (+39)0861.97301

CEDAP (Documentation Centre for Protected Areas)Montorio al VomanoTel. (+39)0861.500203 - 500204