If you are a nature lover, you have already heard about the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. This park, which was established in 1991, is the third largest in Italy by area.
So large that it touches three regions: the majority of the park is in Abruzzo, but it also covers some areas of Lazio and Marche. It is one of the oldest parts of Italy as evidenced by the fossil finds found here.
Its location in the Central Apennines makes this area ideal for the growth of a large number of animal and plant species. Its extraordinary biodiversity attracts every year tourists and enthusiasts from all over Italy and beyond.
Reaching the park is really easy, both by motorway and rail.
What to know about the Gran Sasso National Park
The park has an extraordinary extension: about 140 thousand hectares of surface, dominated by the Gran Sasso d’Italia, the mountain that gives its name to this protected area. The Gran Sasso is the highest mountain in the Apennines, the only one that can rival the highest peaks of the Alps. Think it has a height of 2,912 meters. The Gran Sasso is the ideal destination for many sports, from those who practice skiing and snowboarding, to mountaineers and more experienced hikers.
Unfortunately, climate change has hit this area hard. This mountain once housed an important glacier, known as Calderone. The increase in temperatures has led to a gradual reduction of the glacier, until it no longer falls under the definition of a glacier as of 2019.
On the contrary, the biodiversity of the Gran Sasso National Park is still preserved. Within this area you will find a great variety of landscapes. From the rocky mountains you go down to the hills, often covered with forests and pastures, and of course there are green valleys. This means that a large number of animal species can find their own space. Some species have become so famous that they are now considered true symbols of the Gran Sasso National Park, as in the case of the Marsican bear, the golden eagle and the Abruzzo chamois.
Of course the floral world also has its importance in making this park the natural wonder it is. There are entire forests composed of trees such as beech and spruce.
Foto : Unsplash
Meeting with science
The territory of the Gran Sasso is indeed very old, and this makes it a perfect destination for scientists who are engaged in research related to geology and paleontology. There are numerous rock formations, including caves that can also be visited. They are places to say the least suggestive, able to fill the look of beauty.
Even, in some areas have been found fossils of dinosaurs, which testify to the presence of ancient creatures in this area millions of years ago.
Geology and paleontology are just two of the scientific fields well represented in the park. Particle physics is also a great show of itself, with the presence of the Gran Sasso National Laboratory, often abbreviated as LNGS. The laboratory is located underground, in the depths of the mountain, and hosts numerous experiments of international importance, looking for answers to questions of very high difficulty.
Between nature and traditions
The Gran Sasso National Park has been putting sustainability at the centre of its initiatives for several years. The aim is to encourage tourists to embrace the idea of respecting nature as much as possible, so that human presence is not in any way a nuisance. There are many trails that can be walked by visitors in total safety.
All in a territory that still knows how to value its traditions, an irreplaceable element in the local culture. Crossing the park you come into contact with numerous villages, some very small, where the old buildings are often in a perfect state of preservation. Just think of the churches and castles typical of these locations, often placed at the center of events such as festivals and popular parties.
Just a quick search on the net to find out if events are planned in these small towns: tourists can thus immerse themselves in a genuine and nostalgic reality.
Try the local delicacies
The municipalities that are located within the Gran Sasso National Park are also ideal for those who want to taste typical dishes, where tradition still reigns supreme.
If you are spending a few days relaxing around here, you can’t miss the opportunity to taste some delicacies, starting with the arrosticini, the well-known skewers made of sheep meat. When it comes to the cuisine of Abruzzo you can not help but mention them.
As for the first, the tradition is good in the preparation of pasta alla chitarra.
Among the specialties we suggest you to eat local cheeses, including pecorino abruzzese, which is produced from sheep’s milk. Space also to local wines, including the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.
Copertina: Unsplash
