When was the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise founded?

The PNALM was inaugurated on September 9, 1922 in Pescasseroli, at the Fontana di San Rocco, through the private initiative of the Honorable Erminio Sipari and a group of visionary citizens. The Italian State officially recognized it with Royal Decree-Law n. 257 of January 11, 1923. It is therefore one of Italy's oldest national parks, alongside Gran Paradiso (founded December 3, 1922). The name 'Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise' has been in use since 2001 (Law n. 93 of March 23, 2001), following expansions that incorporated areas of Lazio and Molise.

How large is the PNALM?

The Park covers approximately 50,000 hectares of effective protected area, surrounded by a further 80,000 hectares of pre-park buffer zone. It includes 25 municipalities across three regions: Abruzzo (province of L'Aquila, the majority), Lazio (province of Frosinone) and Molise (province of Isernia). Altitudes range from 600 m in the valleys to 2,285 m at Monte Petroso (the highest peak), passing through Monte Marsicano (2,245 m) and other summits exceeding 2,000 m.

Which municipalities belong to the PNALM in Abruzzo?

The Abruzzo municipalities of the Park (province of L'Aquila) are: Pescasseroli (Park headquarters and main hub), Opi, Civitella Alfedena, Villetta Barrea, Barrea, Bisegna, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce nei Marsi, Ortona dei Marsi, Ortucchio (partially), Villavallelonga, Collelongo, Scanno (partially), Anversa degli Abruzzi (partially). The most visited borghi are Pescasseroli, Opi, Civitella Alfedena, Barrea and Villetta Barrea, all on the SR83 Marsicana road that crosses the Park from north to south.

How many animal species live in the PNALM?

The Park is home to extraordinary wildlife biodiversity. The emblematic species are: the Marsican brown bear (an endemic subspecies, 50–60 individuals in the Park's core), the Apennine chamois (600–700 individuals, saved from extinction right here in the PNALM), the Apennine wolf (6–8 active packs), the golden eagle (4–5 nesting pairs), red deer (around 1,500 individuals reintroduced in the 1970s), roe deer, wild boar, otter (very rare in the rivers). Bird life is rich, including eagle owl, peregrine falcon, black woodpecker, alpine chaffinch and alpine chough. The flora encompasses more than 2,000 species, including several endemics.

What are the most beautiful trails in the PNALM?

The iconic trails include: the Camosciara (T–E, suitable for everyone, starting from Civitella Alfedena, the realm of the chamois), Val di Rose with the climb to Passo Cavuto (E, 800 m elevation gain, free permit required in summer), Monte Amaro di Opi (E, 800 m elevation gain, sublime views over Val Fondillo), Lago Vivo (E, 700 m elevation gain, stunning in spring and autumn), Val Canneto and Monte Petroso from the Lazio side (E–EE, 1,100 m elevation gain, for experienced hikers). All trails are CAI-marked. Some areas require a free access permit obtainable from the Visitor Centers.

What are the PNALM Visitor Centers?

They are educational and museum facilities spread across the main municipalities, each dedicated to a particular species or theme. The main ones are: the Visitor Center in Pescasseroli (bear, Park headquarters, natural history museum), the Visitor Center in Civitella Alfedena (Apennine wolf with wildlife area), the Visitor Center in Villavallelonga (deer and roe deer), the Visitor Center in Bisegna (chamois), the Visitor Center in Opi (chamois with wildlife area), the Visitor Center in Villetta Barrea (lynx and wildcat), and the Visitor Center in Pizzone in Molise. The wildlife areas house animals that cannot be released, allowing close-up observation. A combined ticket is available.

When is the best time to visit the PNALM?

Every season offers a different experience. Spring (April–June): wildflowers, very active wildlife, bears emerging from hibernation. Summer (July–August): all trails accessible, wildlife active at dawn and dusk, pleasant temperatures thanks to the altitude — though busy around Ferragosto. Autumn (September–November): the queen of seasons, with spectacular beech foliage, deer rut (September–early October), and ideal temperatures. Winter (December–March): snow-covered landscapes, cross-country and alpine skiing, snowshoeing. For bears: March–June and September–October. For chamois: June–September.

How do you get to the PNALM?

The main access roads are the SR83 Marsicana (the Park's internal backbone), the SS652 connecting to the Adriatic coast, and the SS17 from Sulmona. Nearest train stations: Castel di Sangro (eastern access), Sulmona (northern access to Pescasseroli), Frosinone (Lazio access), Isernia (Molise access). Bus services run from these stations. In summer the Park operates shuttle services between the main points of interest. From Rome: 2h30 via A24–A25 to Pescasseroli. From Naples: 2h30 via A1. From Pescara: 1h45 via A25–SS17.

PNALM: Guide to the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo

The Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise (PNALM) is one of Italy's oldest national parks: founded by private initiative on September 9, 1922 in Pescasseroli, officially recognized by Royal Decree Law on January 11, 1923, it is the second Italian park by date of establishment (one month after Gran Paradiso) but the first by date of public inauguration. It spans approximately 50,000 hectares of protected area plus 80,000 hectares of buffer zone, across 25 municipalities in three regions (Abruzzo, Lazio, Molise) and three provinces (L'Aquila, Frosinone, Isernia). The PNALM is home to the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine chamois, the Apennine wolf and the golden eagle, and since 2017 it has safeguarded the UNESCO ancient beech forests of the serial site "Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe".

History: from 1922 to Erminio Sipari's vision

The idea of protecting the Alto Sangro territory in Abruzzo dates back to the late nineteenth century, when the area had already served as a royal hunting reserve for the House of Savoy. In the 1920s, inspired by the American Yellowstone park (1872) and the first European alpine parks, the parliamentarian and naturalist Erminio Sipari of Pescasseroli — cousin of the philosopher Benedetto Croce — led a popular movement to save the nature of the Alto Sangro from deforestation, poaching, and the extinction of the bear and chamois.

September 9, 1922: Pescasseroli, Fontana San Rocco

On September 9, 1922, in the presence of all local authorities, at the Fontana San Rocco at the entrance to Pescasseroli, the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo was inaugurated by private initiative. Initially, approximately 12,000 hectares were protected across the municipalities of Opi, Bisegna, Civitella Alfedena, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce nei Marsi, Pescasseroli and Villavallelonga, plus an external protection zone of 40,000 hectares. On the rock beside the fountain, a dedication still visible today was carved: "Il Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo sorto per la protezione delle silvane bellezze e dei tesori della natura. Qui inaugurato il IX Sett. MCMXXII".

January 11, 1923: official recognition

The Royal Decree Law of January 11, 1923, n. 257, published in the Official Gazette on February 22, 1923, officially recognized the birth of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo. It was converted into law on July 12, 1923 with law n. 1511. The PNALM is chronologically the second Italian national park (Gran Paradiso was established on December 3, 1922 thanks to the donation of royal hunting reserves), but the first to have been proclaimed through a popular ceremony open to the public.

The "PNALM" name from 2001 onward

For decades the park was simply known as the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Only in 2001 (with formal effect from 2002), following territorial expansions that had included portions of Lazio and Molise, was it renamed Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise (PNALM). The park is managed by the Ente Parco, with its registered office in Pescasseroli.

Geography: where it is and how it is organized

The PNALM stretches through the heart of the central Apennines, in an area where the three regions of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise meet. Abruzzo accounts for approximately 70% of the territory (province of L'Aquila), Lazio for around 18% (province of Frosinone) and Molise for roughly 12% (province of Isernia). Altitude ranges from 900 meters in the valley floors to 2,247 meters at Monte Petroso.

The 25 municipalities of the Park

Abruzzo municipalities (12, province of L'Aquila): Alfedena, Barrea, Bisegna, Civitella Alfedena, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce nei Marsi, Opi, Ortona dei Marsi, Pescasseroli, Scanno, Villavallelonga, Villetta Barrea.

Lazio municipalities (7, province of Frosinone): Alvito, Campoli Appennino, Pescosolido, Picinisco, San Biagio Saracinisco, San Donato Val di Comino, Settefrati.

Molise municipalities (6, province of Isernia): Castel San Vincenzo, Filignano, Pizzone, Rocchetta a Volturno, Scapoli, Cerro al Volturno.

The mountains of the Park

The heart of the PNALM is formed by the Monti Marsicani and the Monti della Meta. The main peaks: Monte Petroso (2,247 m, the highest summit), Monte Meta (2,241 m, on the border with Molise), Monte Marsicano (2,245 m, above Pescasseroli), Serra Rocca Chiarano (2,171 m), Monte Greco (2,285 m, on the eastern fringes). On the lower flanks: Monte Amaro di Opi (1,862 m, not to be confused with Monte Amaro of the Majella), Monte Vitelle (1,820 m, the ski resort of Pescasseroli).

Rivers and lakes

The PNALM is crossed by the river Sangro, which rises just a few kilometers from Pescasseroli, flows through the entire Park, forms the Lago di Barrea, and eventually empties into the Adriatic Sea. Other waterways include the Giovenco in the Marsica area, the Volturno in Molise, and the Melfa in Lazio (which rises from Val Canneto). Main lakes: Lago di Barrea (303 hectares, artificial, 1951), Lago Vivo (1,591 m, glacial, fed by snowmelt), Lago Pantaniello (~2,000 m, very small, glacial). In the pre-park zone lies the celebrated Lago di Scanno, famous for its distinctive heart shape.

Wildlife of the PNALM

The PNALM is one of Europe's most important biodiversity sanctuaries. Its wildlife was saved from extinction precisely because of the Park's establishment a century ago. Three species are the symbol of the PNALM and of Italian wildlife.

The Marsican brown bear

The Ursus arctos marsicanus is the symbol of the PNALM and an endemic subspecies of the central Apennines, genetically differentiated from the Alpine and Central European brown bear after 1,500–3,000 years of isolation. The total population is estimated at between 50 and 60 individuals in the core area of the PNALM, plus some individuals in surrounding areas (Parco della Majella, established there since 2012, Monte Genzana, Sirente-Velino). It is classified as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Legally protected since 1939. Males can weigh up to 230 kg, females up to 140 kg. A shy, predominantly nocturnal animal with an omnivorous but largely plant-based diet. Spotting a Marsican bear in the wild is a rare event; more common are tracks, droppings, and feeding signs.

The Apennine chamois

The Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata is a subspecies of the Pyrenean chamois, endemic to the central Apennines. It is considered one of the rarest ungulates in the world: at the founding of the PNALM in 1923, only around 40 individuals survived; today, thanks to protection and reintroduction projects, the total population across the PNALM, Majella, Gran Sasso and Sirente-Velino exceeds 3,000 individuals, of which approximately 800–1,000 live in the PNALM alone. It inhabits high-altitude grasslands above 1,800 m and is more easily spotted than the bear, especially at the Camosciara and in Val di Rose.

The Apennine wolf

The Canis lupus italicus is an endemic Italian subspecies of wolf, also saved from extinction in the PNALM, where the last surviving Italian individuals held on until the 1970s, when numbers had fallen to around 100 across the entire country. Today the Italian population stands at approximately 3,300 individuals, with 50–70 in the PNALM. The Museo del Lupo Appenninico in Civitella Alfedena is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn about the species.

The golden eagle and other raptors

The Aquila chrysaetos nests on the Park's most inaccessible rock faces, with at least 4–5 resident pairs. Other raptors include the red kite, short-toed snake eagle, sparrowhawk, kestrel, peregrine falcon, and eagle owl. Among smaller mammals: red deer, roe deer, wild boar, wildcat, lynx (extremely rare), fox, stone marten, badger, otter (very rare), porcupine, and black squirrel.

The UNESCO ancient beech forests

In 2017, four beech forests of the PNALM were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the transnational serial site "Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe". These are ancient beechwood stands — with trees up to 500–600 years old — that were fortunate enough to escape logging. They are located in the municipalities of Lecce nei Marsi (Val Cervara), Opi (Coppo del Principe), Pescasseroli (Selva Moricento) and Villavallelonga (Cacciagrande).

Val Cervara, in the municipality of Lecce nei Marsi, is considered the oldest beech forest in Europe, with specimens dated to over 560 years. Access is regulated to protect the woodland: guided excursions are organized by the National Park or by local associations. Visiting it is a spiritual experience — monumental beeches, absolute silence, intact biodiversity. The Selva Moricento of Pescasseroli is the most accessible (a trail leads directly from the village).

The borghi of the Park

The PNALM is a "lived-in" park: within and immediately surrounding it stand medieval borghi of extraordinary charm. Here are the most important ones for planning your itinerary.

Pescasseroli

1,167 m above sea level, 2,200 inhabitants, the administrative heart of the Park. Birthplace of the philosopher Benedetto Croce, born on February 25, 1866 at Palazzo Sipari. Ski resort (Monte Vitelle, Monte Ceraso, ~20 km of slopes). Park Visitor Center with Natural History Museum, Wildlife Park, and Apennine Garden. Pescasseroli Legge literary festival in summer, national Premio Croce cultural award. For more, read our dedicated article on Pescasseroli.

The three borghi of Lago di Barrea

Barrea (1,060 m): medieval borgo with a castle and exceptional panoramic views over the lake. Villetta Barrea (990 m): a Borgo Autentico d'Italia since 2017, with the Sangro river flowing through it. Civitella Alfedena (1,123 m): a tiny borgo (~300 inhabitants), a cylindrical tower from the 1400s, the Museo del Lupo Appenninico, and wildlife areas for wolves and lynx. Read our article on the three borghi of Lago di Barrea.

Opi

1,250 m above sea level, 350 inhabitants. A borgo perched on a rocky spur above Val Fondillo, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Park. Val Fondillo is the starting point for numerous trails (Valico Passaggio dell'Orso, Monte Amaro di Opi). The borgo preserves its medieval core.

Scanno

1,050 m above sea level. Technically in the pre-park zone (external protection area), but in practice part of the PNALM experience. Famous for the heart-shaped Lago di Scanno, immortalized by Cartier-Bresson and Mario Giacomelli, and for the traditional women's costume considered one of the oldest in Italy. Listed among the Borghi più Belli d'Italia.

Civitella Roveto, Villavallelonga, Bisegna

Other evocative borghi: Villavallelonga (1,011 m, UNESCO ancient beech forest), Bisegna (1,210 m, Valle del Giovenco, northern gateway to the Park), Lecce nei Marsi (740 m, Val Cervara — the oldest UNESCO beech forest in Europe).

Trails and hikes

The PNALM offers more than 150 hiking trails covering a total distance of over 750 km. The network is very well maintained, marked with Park signs, and classified by difficulty (T tourist, E hiking, EE experienced hikers). Below are the most rewarding routes.

La Camosciara

A rocky amphitheater between Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena, one of the most dramatic areas in the Park. Trails of varying difficulty to spot chamois, waterfalls (Cascata delle Ninfe), and limestone cliffs. Regulated access in summer (July–August: limited numbers, shuttle from Villetta Barrea). Trails ranging from 1 hour to a full day. Ideal for families: the "Sentiero delle Cascate" (easy 2-hour loop).

Val Fondillo

A glacial valley of rare beauty, entered from Opi. Val Fondillo Trail F: 10 km round-trip, 600 m elevation gain, 5–6 hours, EE — though you can hike just the first section (3–4 hours round-trip, E). High point: Valico Passaggio dell'Orso (2,000 m). Frequent sightings of chamois, deer, and occasionally bears (at a distance).

Val di Rose

Trail from Civitella Alfedena to Rifugio Forca Resuni (1,952 m), 14 km round-trip, 800 m elevation gain, 6–7 hours, E/EE. One of the valleys most frequented by chamois, especially in autumn (deer rutting season). Limited access in July–August: advance booking required at the Park Authority offices. One of the Park's iconic hikes.

The Lago Vivo trail

From Barrea to Lago Vivo (1,591 m), 9 km round-trip, 600 m elevation gain, 5 hours, E. A small high-altitude glacial lake fed by snowmelt, it almost completely disappears in midsummer. Spectacular views of Monte Petroso and Monte Meta.

UNESCO ancient beech forests

Several guided hikes are organized to visit the UNESCO beech forests. The Selva Moricento of Pescasseroli has a trail accessible from the village (3–4 km round-trip, 2 hours, easy). The Val Cervara of Lecce nei Marsi has regulated access (guided excursions organized by the Park). A spiritual experience — monumental beeches 500–600 years old.

The Park's Visitor Centers

The PNALM has a network of Visitor Centers spread across the main municipalities. They serve as gateways to the Park, offering information services, themed exhibitions, gift shops with books and merchandise, and tickets for the wildlife areas.

Visitor Center in Pescasseroli

The main one, on Viale Colli dell'Oro in Pescasseroli. It includes a Natural History Museum with dioramas of the Park's wildlife, a Wildlife Park with Marsican brown bears (animals that cannot be released into the wild, having been rescued and rehabilitated), and an Apennine Garden with over 500 plant species. The History Museum is housed in the former stables of Palazzo Sipari (inaugurated February 10, 2022 for the centenary). Open year-round, single or combined ticket available.

Civitella Alfedena: Wolf Museum

The Museo del Lupo Appenninico and the Wolf Wildlife Area are the PNALM's crown jewels for learning about wolves. Semi-free-ranging individuals are visible in enclosures that recreate their natural habitat. There is also a Lynx Wildlife Area.

Other Visitor Centers

Villetta Barrea: Water Museum. Bisegna: Northern Slope Services Center, Valle del Giovenco. Opi: Val Fondillo information point. Villavallelonga: Chamois Visitor Center. Pizzone (Molise): Molise gateway. San Donato Val di Comino (Lazio): Val Canneto.

What to see and do in the PNALM in every season

The PNALM is a year-round destination. Every season brings different landscapes, wildlife and activities.

Spring (April–June)

The ideal season for wildflowers, active wildlife, and accessible trails. May: crocus, primrose, anemone, scilla in bloom. Bear sightings (emerging from dens). June: high-altitude pastures in flower, first butterflies, nesting birds in full activity. Temperatures 10–20°C, possible showers.

Summer (July–August)

Peak season: all trails accessible, Wildlife Parks open, swimming at Lago di Barrea (La Gravara beach), cultural events (Pescasseroli Legge, festivals, local sagre). Val di Rose and Camosciara require advance booking. Daytime temperatures 15–28°C, cool evenings. Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms at altitude.

Autumn (September–November)

The most evocative season for photography and wildlife. September–October: deer rut (the iconic sound at dusk — adult males bellowing for females), spectacular beech foliage (red-orange-yellow), mushrooms (porcini, ovoli — collection only with a permit), early-season cross-country skiing at altitude if snow arrives early. November: bears in hyperphagia (eating heavily before hibernation), fewer visitors, a magical atmosphere.

Winter (December–March)

Full winter season: alpine skiing at Pescasseroli (Monte Vitelle 1,820 m, Monte Ceraso 1,800 m, 20 km of slopes, chairlifts and ski tows), cross-country skiing at Bocca di Mola/Macchiarvana and Camosciara, guided snowshoeing, snow landscape photography. Temperatures -5/+5°C, wildlife less visible (bears hibernating, chamois at lower elevations). Snow-covered borghi with a wonderful atmosphere, Christmas markets in Pescasseroli and Scanno.

What to eat in the PNALM

The cuisine of the PNALM belongs to the traditions of the Marsica and the Alto Sangro: shepherding, transhumance, and the bounty of the forests. Specialties include: arrosticini di pecora (sheep skewers), maccheroni alla chitarra with lamb ragù, polenta with sheep or wild boar sauce, pallotte cacio e ova (cheese and egg fritters), agnello cacio e ova (lamb with cheese and eggs), cazzimperio (raw vegetables with olive oil dip), cicerchiata (Christmas honey fritters), ferratelle (waffle-style cookies).

Local products: pecorino di Farindola (Slow Food Presidium, produced 30 km away), mortadella di Campotosto (known as "coglioni di mulo"), salame marsicano, high-altitude wildflower honey, Marsica black truffle, wild berry jams. Liqueurs: genziana (gentian root), centerba from Tocco da Casauria, ratafia of sour cherries. Wine: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC.

How to get to the PNALM

From Rome: 2h–2h30 via the A24–A25 motorway to Pescina or Celano, then the SS83 Marsicana via Bisegna or Gioia dei Marsi to Pescasseroli. Alternative: A1 Rome–Naples to Frosinone, then Sora–Forca d'Acero (Lazio side).

From Naples: 2h30 via A1 Caianello, then the SS Venafro–Alfedena road (Molise side).

From Pescara/the Adriatic coast: 2h via A14–A25–SS17–SS83 (Sulmona, Scanno, Villetta Barrea).

By train: Avezzano FS station (Rome–Pescara line), then bus or car rental. The Sulmona–Carpinone railway (the "Transiberiana d'Italia") crosses the western part of the Park with stops at Castel di Sangro and Roccaraso. Tourist service runs on summer weekends and on select dates — a breathtaking scenic journey.

Suggested itineraries in the PNALM

1 day: Pescasseroli (Museum + Wildlife Park in the morning), lunch, afternoon easy walk (Selva Moricento or the first stretch of Val Fondillo).

A weekend: Day 1 Pescasseroli (Visitor Center) + Camosciara hike; Day 2 Lago di Barrea (the three borghi) + Wolf Museum in Civitella Alfedena.

4–5 days: Pescasseroli (2 days Visitor Centers + trails), Lago di Barrea (1 day with the 3 borghi), Val di Rose (1 day, advance booking required in summer), UNESCO Beech Forests (1 day with a guide). Extension: Scanno (heart-shaped lake) + Sulmona.

One week: A full itinerary covering all Visitor Centers, at least 4–5 significant hikes, 2–3 different borghi, local events, and in-depth gastronomy. Give yourself plenty of time — the PNALM deserves a slow, unhurried visit.

Park rules

To enjoy the PNALM while respecting the environment, a few essential rules apply. Leave no trace — take home even fruit peels. No fires outside designated areas. Do not disturb wildlife: no flash photography, no approaching animals, no feeding. If you encounter a bear: stay calm, move away slowly, do not run, do not shout, photograph from a distance. Do not pick flowers or plants. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Limited-access zones at Val di Rose and Camosciara in summer: book in advance. Mushroom and truffle foraging: permit required. Wild camping: only in authorized areas.

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To dive deeper into the PNALM, read our article on Pescasseroli, heart of the Park and birthplace of Benedetto Croce, discover the three borghi of Lago di Barrea (Barrea, Villetta Barrea, Civitella Alfedena), and immerse yourself in the story of the Marsican brown bear, the endemic subspecies that is the symbol of the Park. For those wanting to extend their journey to the neighboring Majella: our guide to the Parco Nazionale della Majella.

Safe travels.