At just a few kilometres from Sessanio

The Sirente-Velino natural park is another important natural park at just a few kilometres from Sessanio. It takes its name from the Sirente and Velino mountains whose peaks are almost 2500 metres high.

The park has an incredibly varied geomorphology and a great environmental diversity.

Men and animals live peacefully inside its perimeter and we can assure you that a visit to the park will be really thrilling. You can choose between nature trails or excursions in search of rupestrian churches, ancient villages and popular traditions.

The Marsican brown bear and the golden eagle are amongst the most important, endangered and protected species in the park that intrigue both adults and children. There are also rare species like the griffon vulture, the Italic hare and the goshawk. Moreover, the heart of the park has been found as the ideal place to re-introduce the Alpine chamois

As for the flora, at a higher altitude the most common trees in the park are beech trees and Nordic birches. While, at lower altitudes you can find downy oaks, poplars, mountain-ashes, various kinds of different mushrooms and the much loved and appreciated black truffle. The real magnificence of the park can only be seen in spring though. Hundreds of flowers of a thousand different colours: lilies, daffodils, violets, alpine anemones, Apennine pheasant’s eyes, and a flower that only grows here, a variety of the gentiana called Geum heterocarpum.

The presence of human life in these valleys dates back to the prehistoric ages; for example, the remains of fortified settlements with burial grounds at a higher altitude, are of the pre-Roman era.

The Marsica area has always been strategic because it was the passageway and the connection between the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic sees through the Claudia Valeria road where the ancient Roman city of Alba Fucens was found and brought to light in all its glory, in the 50s.
Trances from the early Christian era were also found here, as we can see in Castelvecchio Subequo (that we warmly invite you to visit) where there is a 4th century early Christian catacomb.

In the park, you will also be able to see the dirt roads that were used for the transhumance of sheep and learn ancient crafts and customs of the people of Abruzzo. Between one excursion and another you can taste the food and wine specialities of the park or buy local artisanal products. Follow the Park’s updates on the website because it has a lot of initiatives and activities worth looking into.
We are waiting for you!