Campo Imperatore
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Latest page update: 6 March 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The ski resort of Campo Imperatore is located within the Province of l'Aquila.
Standing at an elevation of 1,500 - 1,900 metres above sea level, it's situated 36 kilometres north east of the city of l'Aquila. Places of interest nearby include Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio, Assergi, Castel del Monte, Farindola and Castelli. |
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Campo Imperatore • Abruzzo • Mussolini's Escape
Campo Imperatore is a high-altitude plateau located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in the province of L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Situated at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it offers dramatic views of the surrounding rugged mountain landscapes and wide, open spaces. Known as the "Little Tibet" of Italy, the area is characterised by vast, grassy fields and rocky outcrops, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities, particularly hiking, mountaineering, and skiing during the winter months.
Campo Imperatore is famous for its stunning natural beauty and is a key location for exploring the Gran Sasso range, the highest mountain in the Apennines. The plateau is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boar, deer, and golden eagles, and offers a peaceful atmosphere that attracts nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Nearby, the cable car station provides access to the summit of the Gran Sasso, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding regions. The town of Assergi, located at the foot of the mountain, offers more services and accommodations, while the historic town of L'Aquila, with its cultural and architectural sites, is a short drive away. Campo Imperatore, with its breathtaking landscapes and access to both outdoor adventures and nearby cultural landmarks, serves as a perfect base for exploring the heart of Abruzzo.
Campo Imperatore is famous for its stunning natural beauty and is a key location for exploring the Gran Sasso range, the highest mountain in the Apennines. The plateau is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild boar, deer, and golden eagles, and offers a peaceful atmosphere that attracts nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Nearby, the cable car station provides access to the summit of the Gran Sasso, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding regions. The town of Assergi, located at the foot of the mountain, offers more services and accommodations, while the historic town of L'Aquila, with its cultural and architectural sites, is a short drive away. Campo Imperatore, with its breathtaking landscapes and access to both outdoor adventures and nearby cultural landmarks, serves as a perfect base for exploring the heart of Abruzzo.
History
Campo Imperatore holds historical significance as the site of the imprisonment of Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, during World War II. In 1943, Mussolini was freed in a daring raid by German commandos, known as the Gran Sasso Raid, from a hotel located on the plateau.
Today, the hotel is a popular tourist attraction, known as the "Hotel Campo Imperatore" or "Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi," offering visitors a chance to explore the historical context of the area.
Today, the hotel is a popular tourist attraction, known as the "Hotel Campo Imperatore" or "Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi," offering visitors a chance to explore the historical context of the area.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- Scenic Drives: The plateau is accessible by a scenic mountain road, known as the "Gran Sasso Highway," which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
- Hiking and Trekking: Campo Imperatore is a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails of varying difficulty levels that lead through the rugged landscape, offering stunning vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Wildflowers and Wildlife: During the spring and summer months, the plateau comes alive with colorful wildflowers, making it a perfect destination for nature photographers. Campo Imperatore is also home to several animal species, including chamois and eagles.
- Skiing and Winter Sports: In the winter, Campo Imperatore transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The plateau offers excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Astronomy and Stargazing: Due to its high elevation and minimal light pollution, Campo Imperatore is an ideal location for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.
- Culinary Delights: Visitors can indulge in the local cuisine of Abruzzo, which includes hearty dishes like "arrosticini" (grilled lamb skewers), "chitarra" pasta, and locally produced cheeses.
- Nature Reserves: Campo Imperatore is part of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, where visitors can explore other natural attractions such as the Calderone Glacier, the southernmost glacier in Europe.
- Photography: The stunning landscapes of Campo Imperatore offer endless photo opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers.
- Hotel Campo Imperatore: The historic hotel, where Mussolini was held captive, now serves as a comfortable accommodation for tourists looking to stay amidst the beauty of the plateau.
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Province: L'Aquila
Region: Abruzzo Elevation: 1,500 - 1,900 metres Close by: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio, Assergi Recommended hotel: Sextantio Albergo Diffuso |
