Castel del Monte, Abruzzo

Castel del Monte, Abruzzo – 1346 m a.s.l.

Travelling through Abruzzo, we decided to visit Castel del Monte, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park — gateway to Fonte Vetica and the Campo Imperatore plateau, a paradise for mountaineering, cross‑country skiing and freeride adventures. I’ll admit it… it’s not exactly a new destination for us. In fact, it’s one of our favourite places, in summer and winter alike, whenever we want to spend a few hours in peace and enjoyment.

Trekking at Fonte Vetica

Trekking in Castel del Monte

View the map online

Welcome to Castel del Monte

The “Capital of Shepherds” among the peaks of the Gran Sasso

🎭 Traditional Events

17 August The Night of the Witches
A travelling theatrical performance inspired by ancient local legends.
5 August Sheep Fair
Historic fair dedicated to transhumance on the Campo Imperatore plain.
Holy Week Good Friday Procession
A moving ritual winding through the narrow alleys of the old town.

⚖️ Institutions & Safety

Municipality of Castel del Monte 📞 0862 93813
Via Guglielmo Marconi – Town Hall.
Carabinieri 📞 112 / 0862 938121
Local police station.
Forest Corps (CC Forestale) 📞 1515
Environmental protection and wildfire response.

ℹ️ Useful Information

Tourist Office Castel del Monte Info Point
Support for itineraries, maps, and guided tours.
Medical Service 📞 0862 938144
Continuity of care service.
Pharmacy Dr. Ricci Pharmacy
Piazza XXIV Maggio.

🥾 Trekking & Nature

Village Loop Shepherd’s Trail
Panoramic route around the village.
Towards the Fortress Trail to Rocca Calascio
Across high‑altitude pastures (approx. 2h).
High Altitude Ascent to Monte Camicia
Starting from Fonte Vetica.
Living History Tratturo Magno
Local stretch of the ancient transhumance route.

🧀 Local Specialties

Slow Food Presidia Canestrato of Castel del Monte
Raw‑milk pecorino cheese.
Traditional Cuisine Pecora alla Callara
Historic shepherds’ recipe.
Red Gold L’Aquila Saffron PDO
Cultivated near the Navelli plateau.
Legumes Mountain Lentils
Grown at high altitude.

🛌 Hospitality & Stay

Village Experience Scattered Hotel
Restored houses in the historic centre.
Nature & Relaxation Farmhouses & B&Bs
Local breakfasts and Gran Sasso views.
High Altitude Mountain Huts
Towards Fonte Vetica and Campo Imperatore.
Camper Area Camping & RV Areas
Equipped zones inside the Park.

❄️ Winter Sports

Cross‑Country Skiing Fonte Vetica Loop
Groomed trails in the pine forest and on the plain.
Ski Mountaineering Monte Camicia Direct Route
Iconic itinerary for experts.
Winter Hiking Panoramic Snowshoeing
Towards the Val di Terra canyon.
Snow Services Rentals & Alpine Guides
Equipment and professional guidance.

⚠️ Safety & Weather

Snow Conditions Meteomont Bulletin
Mandatory consultation for avalanche risk.
Local Weather Gran Sasso Forecasts
Rapidly changing conditions at Campo Imperatore.
Mountain Rescue 📞 Emergency 118 / CNSAS
Request assistance in case of accident.
Equipment Mandatory ARTVA, Shovel, Probe
Required gear for off‑piste routes.

❄️ Snowshoeing & Winter Outdoor

Classic Route Fonte Vetica Plain
Flat routes suitable for families.
Geological Wonder Val di Terra Canyon
Excursion among rock walls.
Night Experience Snowshoeing Under the Stars
Guided outings during full moon.
Equipment Rental Local Rental Points
Snowshoes and poles available.

📍 Rentals & Hiking Guides

Ski/Snowshoe Rental – Fonte Vetica 📞 347 1018593
Rental point directly on the cross‑country trails and snowshoe routes.
Gran Sasso Guides Company 📞 328 0097929
Professional alpine guides for ski mountaineering and advanced trekking.
Mid‑Mountain Guides 📞 0862 93813 (Info Point)
Booking of guided nature excursions via the Info Point.

Travelling through Abruzzo, we decided to go to Castel del Monte. I admit it... it’s not exactly a big novelty... in fact it’s one of our favourite destinations, in summer and in winter, whenever we want to spend a few hours in peace and fun.

Leaving from L'Aquila we head towards our destination along a very pleasant route, during which we often feel like stopping before we even arrive. Every time we pass through Santo Stefano di Sessanio we are amazed at how beautiful the village is, almost intact despite last year’s earthquake. And what can we say about Rocca Calascio? In short, even just driving along the road is a constant discovery of enchanting places and unspoilt nature.

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On the left Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the other two photos were taken in Rocca Calascio

We resist the temptation to stop only because we know what we will find when we reach our destination, but of course we can’t really give in and we stop from time to time to take some photos of the places we pass through and of our final destination. Yes, because Castel del Monte is a surprising place, as is its population, always committed to enhancing their village. And so in winter we find endless cross-country ski trails that bring here many sports enthusiasts who love to immerse themselves in unspoilt nature and surround themselves with a memorable landscape. Even just driving along the road you can have thrilling surprises when there is snow; once past the village and having reached the plain of Campo Imperatore we find the road blocked by snow... closed by a barrier? No! Really closed by snow, blocked by an impassable white wall taller than we are! This definitely calls for a photo—so much snow I had never seen, it’s a breathtaking sight and also a bit unsettling, especially if you happen to pass there at night...

And in summer? Naturally the natural wonders remain and mountain lovers never betray one of their favourite places: you can always drive a few more kilometres and reach Fonte Vetica, where you can stop to buy arrosticini and grill them on the embers provided for the public... it’s wonderful to improvise a picnic in this stunning place, eating the delicacies of Abruzzo; and then there is also a flourishing of activities and events that irresistibly attract us. First of all “La Notte delle Streghe”, a magical festival held on the night of 16 August, when the whole village becomes a mysterious and festive place to stroll through and enjoy themed performances.

Castel del Monte at 1351 m a.s.l.

To finish, there is also the “food and wine corner”. Of course, because when going to Castel del Monte, we just can’t help stopping to eat at one of our favourite restaurants, “Il Gattone”. Here the atmosphere is homely, the prices reasonable and the food absolutely wonderful. The keyword is simplicity, and so ravioli with local ricotta (amazing!) and grilled lamb are our favourite dishes; then we finish with the house sweets and set off again to discover our wonderful land, perhaps taking an alternative route via San Pio delle Camere, which overlooks the valley of the Navelli plateau with its medieval castle.

From left to right: the Navelli plain, the Castle of San Pio delle Camere and San Pio delle Camere

Carapelle Calvisio

through Castelvecchio Calvisio.

Images from Castelvecchio Calvisio

Image gallery

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Castel del Monte, Abruzzo – 1346 m a.s.l.

Travelling through Abruzzo, we decided to visit Castel del Monte, in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park — gateway to Fonte Vetica and the Campo Imperatore plateau, a paradise for mountaineering, cross‑country skiing and freeride adventures.