Collelongo​

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Latest page update: 21 May 2025

By: Dion Protani

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  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Collelongo

Accommodation in Collelongo is modest, consisting mainly of family-run B&Bs and mountain lodges. For travellers seeking established hotels with broader facilities, the nearby town of Pescasseroli provides the best-rated options in the area, well placed for exploring the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
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In Pescasseroli, Hotel Bamby offers comfortable, wood-furnished rooms, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a wellness area with sauna and hot tub (€€€). Hotel Iris combines convenience and comfort with spacious rooms, a restaurant, and consistently strong reviews for hospitality (€€). Hotel Alle Vecchie Arcate, set in the town centre, provides traditional décor, friendly service, and easy access to nearby trails and attractions (€€).

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Where is

Where is Collelongo?

The village of Collelongo is situated within the Province of l'Aquila and has a population of around 1,147 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 850 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 57 km².
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Collelongo is the penultimate town on the long road that eventually reaches nearby Villavallelonga. 

Situated at Abruzzo's southern border with the neighbouring region of Lazio, it lies just on the fringes of the expansive Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park. ​

Collelongo, Abruzzo

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Comune di Collelongo

Province: L'Aquila

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 1,073​ (in 2024 - source)

​​​​Size: 54 km²

Elevation: 915 metres

​Close by: Villavallelonga, Avezzano, Celano, Pescina, Tagliacozzo​

​​​​Recommended accommodation: ​Hotel de Meis (26 km)

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What People Ask About Collelongo

Is Collelongo worth visiting?

Yes, Collelongo is worth visiting for its traditional mountain setting and cultural heritage. Nestled in the Marsica area, it is part of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and is known for preserving age-old customs and rural traditions.

What are the main attractions in Collelongo?

Main attractions include the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ceraso, the archaeological remains of Italic settlements, and the Ethnographic Museum showcasing local traditions. The village is also surrounded by hiking trails into the park’s forests and mountains.

How do I get to Collelongo?

Collelongo is about 20 minutes by car from Avezzano, which has its own train station with services to Rome and Pescara. By road, it is accessible via the A25 motorway, with Rome about 1.5 hours away. The closest airports are Rome Ciampino, Rome Fiumicino, and Pescara.

When is the best time to visit Collelongo?

The best time to visit is spring and summer for walking, festivals, and enjoying the national park. Winter is also interesting thanks to traditional celebrations like the “Candelora” festival, while autumn offers colourful scenery in the surrounding woods.

What food is Collelongo known for?

Collelongo is known for rustic mountain cuisine, including lentil and chickpea soups, lamb-based dishes, and pasta such as maccheroni alla chitarra. Local mushrooms, truffles, and cheeses also feature strongly in traditional recipes.

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Related links

​Things to see in Abruzzo

Pretty Villages of Abruzzo

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Discover

Discover Collelongo

Set in a valley at the edge of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Collelongo is a traditional mountain village in the Marsica area, surrounded by beech forests and rugged peaks. The settlement is built in stone, with narrow streets and archways leading up the hillside, reflecting its medieval origins. Its setting among wooded slopes and high pastures gives it a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment, where agriculture and livestock farming remain part of daily life.
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The village is home to several notable churches, including the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, the Church of San Rocco, and the forest-side Sanctuary of Madonna di Loreto, which attracts visitors during religious festivals. Archaeological finds in the nearby hills point to ancient origins predating the Roman period. Collelongo also lies close to the Giovenco Valley, an area rich in wildlife and mountain trails, linking it to nearby Villavallelonga and Gioia dei Marsi within the wider Marsica landscape.

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Things to Do

Things to Do in Collelongo

• Centro Storico di Collelongo spreads across a gentle slope, a lattice of narrow lanes bordered by stone houses and arched passages. The village preserves its medieval character, with stairways winding between clusters of rustic buildings. Balconies overflow with flowers in the warmer months, adding colour to pale stone façades. Walking through the old centre offers a sense of timelessness and authentic Abruzzo life.
  
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova stands as a prominent landmark, its elegant façade faced in pale stone and crowned with a modest bell tower. Inside, delicate stucco work, wooden altars, and religious paintings speak of centuries of devotion. The church plays a central role in Collelongo’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Visiting reveals both artistic beauty and deep-rooted community faith.
  
• Santuario della Madonna di Celano rises just outside Collelongo, perched on a hillside surrounded by forest. The sanctuary is a peaceful spot for contemplation, offering sweeping views over the Vallelonga. Pilgrims and visitors are drawn by its serene setting and centuries-old religious importance. It’s a place that blends spirituality with the natural beauty of the Abruzzo landscape.
  
• Piazza Regina Margherita serves as Collelongo’s lively social hub, edged by historic buildings and cafés where locals gather. The square hosts village festivals, traditional music, and cultural events that bring the community together. Cobblestones underfoot and glimpses of surrounding mountains add to its charm. It’s an inviting place to pause and observe the rhythms of daily village life.
  
• Guided cultural and nature walks in Collelongo take visitors through medieval streets, to sacred sites, and along forest trails rich with flora and fauna. Local guides share tales of ancient festivals, shepherd traditions, and historical landmarks. Walks often include tastings of local delicacies such as honey, cheeses, and traditional sweets. Exploring with a guide offers a deeper connection to Collelongo’s cultural and natural heritage.
  

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Tours and Activities

Collelongo Tours and Activities

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Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo

1. ​Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park 
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park 
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto 
8. Barrea 
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo

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How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Collelongo

By Rail: The nearest train station to Collelongo is in Avezzano, approximately 20 kilometres away. The station lies on the Rome–Sulmona–Pescara line, operated by Trenitalia, with regular regional and intercity services. Trains from Avezzano reach Rome in about 1 hour and 40 minutes and Sulmona in roughly 50 minutes. Buses and taxis connect Avezzano with Collelongo and nearby villages in the Marsica area.

By Road: Collelongo is located in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, within the foothills of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise. From L’Aquila, the drive is around 80 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via the A25 and SR82. From Rome, it is approximately 115 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. Parking is available near the town centre and along the main approach roads.

Nearest International Airports:
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• Rome Ciampino Airport: Approximately 115 kilometres from Collelongo, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A24 and A25. It is the nearest airport, offering a wide range of European connections.
• Rome Fiumicino Airport: Located about 140 kilometres southwest, taking roughly 2 hours by car via the A24 and A90. A major hub for long-haul and intercontinental flights.
• Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Around 115 kilometres northeast, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A25 motorway. Convenient for domestic and short-haul European arrivals.

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Private Transfers

Collelongo Private Transfers

Set in the Marsica area of southern Abruzzo, Collelongo lies in a sheltered valley surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The village is characterised by stone houses, narrow alleys, and a layout that climbs gradually up the hillside, offering views over the Giovenco Valley. The surrounding landscape, rich in beech forests and mountain pastures, gives the area a strong rural identity shaped by agriculture and pastoral traditions.
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Historical landmarks include the Church of San Rocco, the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Loreto, located just outside the village in a scenic forest setting. Ancient remains and rural chapels scattered around the valley reflect the continuity of settlement from pre-Roman times. Collelongo is also known for preserving local customs, such as seasonal celebrations linked to the agricultural calendar. Positioned between Gioia dei Marsi and Villavallelonga, it provides easy access to hiking routes and wildlife areas within the national park.

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