Abruzzo, Italy - Majestic Gran Sasso, Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Abruzzo - Gran Sasso National Park Day Trip

With the temperatures in the high 30’s, we sought out refuge at higher altitude in Abruzzo’s stunning Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga Parco Nationale. Several years ago, we hiked an incredible mountain ridge loop in this park and returned now for a bit more sightseeing.

Gran Sasso is home of the Campo Imperatore, the highest alpine meadow in central Italy. The natural terrain is beautiful, with breathtaking views towards the peaks and over the meadow area. Here can be found a number of campsites, horse riding facilities, and grill shakes - featuring an Abruzzo speciality, Arrosticini (lamb skewers).

The scenic route in entering the park is via Castel del Monte, a majestic mountain village at 1340 meters that traditionally relied on sheep herding. Exiting the park followed another route - from SS17bis on a little used county road, one traverses another smaller meadow and descends snaking along the mountain toward the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Until 20 years ago, the village was nearly empty, but now is going through extensive renovations after much of town was purchased to create Sextantio Albergo Diffuso. There are a number of guest houses, restaurants, and cafes in the village - but it still seems quiet and frozen in time.

Time marks:

(00:25) Castel del Monte
(01:01) Gran Sasso National Park
(01:20) Campo Imperatore
(01:47) Santo Stefano di Sessanio

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