National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise – The wild and poetic face of Abruzzo. The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise is the oldest national park in the Apennines, established in 1923. Its Abruzzo part, the largest and best known, is located in the heart of Marsica, in the province of L'Aquila, and is home to some of the most evocative and protected landscapes in Italy. The Marsican brown bear, the Abruzzo chamois, the Apennine wolf and an extraordinary biodiversity live here. 🌲 Ancient forests and legendary mountains: Immense beech forests, some recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cover the mountains of the park, such as Monte Marsicano, Serra delle Gravare, Monte Meta and Monte Petroso. The paths cross woods, prairies and valleys suspended in silence. 👉 Tip: Explore the ancient beech forest of Val Cervara, the oldest in Europe, starting from Villavallelonga or Pescasseroli with an authorized guide. 🐻 Protected fauna and exciting encounters: The park is home to the Marsican brown bear, a symbol of the area, but also to wolves, deer, roe deer, chamois, golden eagles and eagle owls. With a little luck (and silence), you can make unique encounters in nature. 👉 Tip: Take a sunset hike in the Civitella Alfedena area, with binoculars and an expert guide: you might spot a bear in the wild. 🏞️ Lakes, rivers and water beauties: The park is home to enchanting bodies of water such as Lake Barrea, fed by the Sangro River, and small high-altitude lakes such as Lake Vivo and Lake Pantaniello. Ideal places to relax, walk or do nature photography. 👉 Tip: Take the complete tour of Lake Barrea starting from Civitella or Villetta Barrea, among piers, reeds and panoramic views. 🏘️ Villages in the park: history and hospitality: Pescasseroli is the "capital" of the park, a lively center full of services. But also Scanno, Civitella Alfedena, Opi, Barrea and Villetta Barrea are enchanting villages, surrounded by greenery and rich in tradition. 👉 Tip: Visit the Park Visitor Center in Pescasseroli and learn about the history of the Marsican bear and environmental protection in Abruzzo. 🥾 Hiking, trekking and active nature: The park is a paradise for hikers and trekking lovers: over 150 marked paths through woods, ridges, hermitages and plateaus. Each season offers different colors and suggestions, including snow, autumn leaves and spring blooms. 👉 Tip: Take the path to Lago Vivo from Barrea: an evocative hike through forests, streams and unspoiled nature. 🍽️ Mountain flavors and local recipes: In the villages of the park you can taste traditional dishes: polenta, legume soups, handmade pasta, sheep's cheeses, ricotta, grilled meat and rustic desserts. All accompanied by local wines and herbal liqueurs. 👉 Tip: Stop to eat in Opi or Civitella Alfedena: small restaurants offer home cooking with local products. 🛌 Sleeping in the green heart of Abruzzo: Refuges, B&Bs, scattered hotels, stone houses and farmhouses surrounded by nature welcome travelers in search of peace and authenticity. A stay in the park is rejuvenating in any season. 👉 Tip: Choose a property with a view of Lake Barrea to wake up to water, sky and woods. The Abruzzo National Park is the cradle of protected Italian nature. A place that teaches respect, gives silence and preserves the most authentic soul of mountain Abruzzo.