Gran Sasso d'Italia – The giant of the Apennines, the rocky heart of Abruzzo. The Gran Sasso is the highest peak of the Apennines (2,912 m, Corno Grande) and one of the most impressive and fascinating mountains in Italy. Symbol of wild and authentic Abruzzo, it is part of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park of the same name, which preserves extraordinary landscapes, rare biodiversity and villages suspended in time. ⛰️ Majestic mountains and extreme nature: From the rocky massif of Corno Grande to the grassy expanses of Campo Imperatore, the Gran Sasso offers environments reminiscent of the Alps despite being in the heart of Italy. Golden eagles, Abruzzo chamois, wolves and countless endemic floristic species live here. 👉 Tip: Climb the Corno Grande from the Campo Imperatore side for one of the most exciting hikes in Central Italy. 🥾 Trekking, via ferrata and adventure: The area is a paradise for hikers, mountaineers and climbers. Trails of all levels lead to peaks, ridges, glacial lakes and mountain huts. The Brizio ferrata, the Passo del Cannone, the Calderone (the southernmost glacier in Europe) are iconic destinations. 👉 Tip: Bring boots and poles and rely on a mountain guide for the most challenging or high-altitude routes. 🏘️ Villages at the foot of the giant: Assergi, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, Calascio, Pietracamela and Isola del Gran Sasso are architectural and cultural jewels set in the mountains. Ancient stones, deep silences, craftsmanship and intact traditions. 👉 Tip: Visit Rocca Calascio at sunset: the hermitage and the castle suspended in the wind offer an unforgettable view. 🌲 National Park and environmental protection: The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park protects a huge area that includes valleys, plateaus, rivers, canyons and forests. A precious ecosystem that hosts an extraordinary biodiversity, perfect for slow and conscious tourism. 👉 Tip: Stop by the Park's visitor center in Assergi to pick up maps, information, and tips from the park rangers. 🍝 High-altitude flavours: In the refuges and villages you can taste strong and authentic dishes: legume soups, skewers, sausages, alpine cheeses, pasta alla chitarra, rustic desserts and herbal liqueurs. A cuisine that tells the story of the seasons and the land. 👉 Tip: Have lunch in a trattoria in Castel del Monte overlooking the valleys and taste pecorino cheese aged with mountain honey. 🛌 Stays immersed in the mountains: From the stone structures in the villages to the scattered hotels and mountain huts, the Gran Sasso offers simple, warm and sincere hospitality. Ideal for those looking for silence, nature and authenticity. 👉 Tip: Stay one night in Santo Stefano di Sessanio to breathe in the magic of a completely restored medieval village. The Gran Sasso is more than a mountain: it is a horizon, a deep breath, a promise of freedom. An Abruzzo that stays inside.