Abruzzi National Park

Goshawks are one of the predatory birds seen in Abruzzi National Park.

The Abruzzi National Park, preserving 108,642 acres, is situated in the heart of Italy’s central Apennine Mountains.

The landscape alternates between rolling hilltops and alpine slopes. Several rivers run through the park and because of the karst (limestone) presence in the land, the rivers often flow through underground beds and rise to the surface in valleys.

Beech is the dominant tree in the forests, which support a variety of wildflowers, some native only to the park.

A diversity of wildlife can be found in Abruzzi. The park mascot is the brown bear, and sightings are a rare but exciting event. More than 300 bird species have been recorded in the park, including the golden eagle and other raptors like the goshawk, sparrowhawk, kestrel and peregrine falcon.

Several nature trails run through the park, and guided tours are available. A number of visitor centers are located in the villages within the park.

A special multilingual visitor's center is open in Camosciara from July to September.

The villages within the park often offer food and lodging and the opportunity to see traditional Italian dress and customs. There are many beautiful old buildings here, including the 13th-century Santa Maria della Valle Church in Scanno, which was built atop a pagan temple, and the 13th-century cylindrical castle and church of San Tommaso in Barrea.