Places
Park·Easy·Scenic·Popular

Campo Imperatore, Gran Sasso

Abruzzo

Campo Imperatore (2,130 m) is a vast high plateau under the Gran Sasso massif — called the 'Little Tibet of Italy' for its scale and light. Wild Pentro horses roam free. Wolf and Apennine hare are present. A funicular rises from Assergi. The hotel on the plateau was the prison where Mussolini was held in 1943 before his rescue by SS gliders. Astronomical observatory on site.

Duration
3 hours
Distance
8 km
Elevation
+100 m
Best season
June – October

Highlights

  • Wild Pentro horses roam free on the plateau
  • Hotel was Mussolini's prison — SS glider rescue 1943
  • Astronomical observatory on the plateau — dark-sky site

With your dog

High plateau; dogs off-leash.