The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is a natural park in central Italy. It was created in 1991 and covers an area of 2,014 square kilometres (778 mi²), mostly in the provinces of Teramo, L'Aquila, and Pescara in Abruzzo. Small parts of the park are also in the provinces of Rieti in Lazio and Ascoli Piceno in Marche. The land is mostly mountainous, with some flat areas near the mountains.
The park is managed by a group called Ente Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. The group’s main office is in Assergi, L'Aquila.
A road called the Grand Highway runs through the park, stretching from the top of the Gran Sasso mountain to the Monti della Laga mountain range.
Geography
The park is one of the largest protected areas in Europe and is located around the large mountain area called Gran Sasso, which stands above the surrounding land. It rises steeply above the large grasslands of Campo Imperatore. The ground is rocky and receives a lot of snow and wind. The Calderone is located just below the tallest peak, Corno Grande, and it is known as Europe's southernmost glacier. On the north side, the outline of the Monti della Laga mountain range can be seen, where thousands of migratory birds rest along the shores of Lake Campotosto. This area is covered with forests of beech trees, fir trees, turkey oaks, and chestnut trees. There are more than 200 kilometers (about 120 miles) of special trails for horseback riding that visitors can use to explore the park.
Nature and wildlife
The park is home to one of Europe's most diverse areas in terms of plant and animal life. Its climate is similar to both the Mediterranean region and the rest of continental Europe. The park has over 2,000 types of plants, some of which are only found in this area, such as the Abruzzo Edelweiss. Many animals live in the park, including rare species like the Abruzzo chamois, Apennine wolves, Marsican brown bear, roe deer, wildcats, wild boars, foxes, and squirrels. Important birds found here include the golden eagle, white-backed woodpecker, goshawk, common buzzard, and peregrine falcon. The park also supports a wide range of insects, such as the apollo butterfly.
Attractions
The park has a long trail system that is about 300 kilometers (190 miles) long. People can use the trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, or walking.
Many outdoor activities are available in the park, such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, bird watching, alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, and cross-country skiing.
Educational programs are offered at the park's visitor centers. Visitors can explore the trails and paths on their own or with the help of mountain guides.
Settlements
Many old villages are found inside the borders of the national park. These villages are usually small, with homes made of stone and brick, and streets that are narrow. In many places, the names of these villages show that they were built for protection and are located on high ground. Examples of such names include Castel (meaning castle), Rocca, Pizzo (meaning peak), and Colle (meaning hill).
- Province of L'Aquila
- Assergi, Barete, Barisciano, Cagnano Amiterno, Calascio, Campotosto, Capestrano, Capitignano, Carapelle Calvisio, Castel del Monte, Castel Paganica, Castelvecchio Calvisio, L'Aquila, Lake Pietranzoni, Mascioni, Montereale, Ofena, Pizzoli, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
- Province of Ascoli Piceno
- Acquasanta Terme, Arquata del Tronto
- Province of Pescara
- Brittoli, Bussi sul Tirino, Carpineto della Nora, Castiglione a Casauria, Civitella Casanova, Corvara, Farindola, Montebello di Bertona, Pescosansonesco, Villa Celiera
- Province of Rieti
- Province of Teramo
- Arsita, Campli, Castelli, Civitella del Tronto, Cortino, Crognaleto, Fano Adriano, Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia, Montorio al Vomano, Pietracamela, Rocca Santa Maria, Torricella Sicura, Tossicia, Valle Castellana