Vallelonga – Green heart in the mountains, where Abruzzo breathes silence and nature. Vallelonga is a narrow and picturesque valley in the Abruzzo Apennines, nestled between the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Located in south-eastern Marsica, between Fucino and the centuries-old woods of the Park, it is an area where nature, history and spirituality coexist in perfect balance. 🌲 A green corridor in the mountains: The valley is surrounded by dense forests of beech, oak and conifer trees, populated by deer, roe deer, Marsican bears and Apennine wolves. It is one of the ideal places for wildlife observation and excursions in absolute silence. 👉 Tip: Take the path that leads from Villavallelonga to Passo del Diavolo, one of the wildest areas of the Park. 🏘️ Authentic villages and strong identity: Places such as Villavallelonga, Collelongo and Trasacco preserve the mountain tradition intact: stone architecture, crafts, popular festivals, and a life marked by the rhythm of nature. 👉 Tip: Visit the Marsican Bear Visitor Center in Villavallelonga to learn about the Park's iconic animal. ⛪ Spirituality between nature and legends: The hermitage of Madonna di Monte Tranquillo, above Collelongo, is a destination for ancient pilgrimages. The religious tradition is still very much alive and is intertwined with ancestral rites and festivals linked to the land. 👉 Tip: Take part in the procession in the mountains for the Madonna of Loreto, through the woods and collective emotions. 🥾 Excursions and slow tourism: The paths of the Vallelonga cross plateaus, streams, beech forests and clearings frequented by wildlife. They are perfect for those who like to walk calmly, listening to the woods. 👉 Tip: Explore the beech forest of Coppo del Morto, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. 🍽️ Cuisine of the Marsican mountains: The gastronomy is the rustic and genuine one of the shepherds: soups, homemade gnocchi, grilled meat, mushrooms, grass peas, fresh ricotta and dry desserts. The flavors are intense, true, linked to seasonality. 👉 Tip: Try the 'maccarun' all'ajje' in Collelongo, a typical pasta with garlic and local dried peppers. 🛌 Simple and authentic hospitality: Mountain B&Bs, farmhouses in the woods and stone houses welcome you warmly. Vallelonga is ideal for quiet stays, for those looking for nature, walking and a return to the essentials. 👉 Tip: Sleep in Villavallelonga and wake up to the scent of the woods and the singing of the birds in the Park. Vallelonga is a natural and spiritual refuge, where Abruzzo whispers ancient stories under the centuries-old trees. A place for those who seek truth and silence.