Nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Gran Sasso mountain range, just about 2 hours drive from Rome, lies Campo Imperatore - a sprawling plateau in the heart of Abruzzo region, Italy. Known as the "Little Tibet" for its breathtaking landscapes.
Campo Imperatore offers a mesmerizing blend of lush green fields (in the springtime) set against the dramatic backdrop of the Apennine Mountains. Its altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,000 meters, providing a unique semi-flat terrain that extends imagination.
Best way to explore this area is by car…driving through the plateau's scenic roads, or taking the cable car from Fonte Cerreto during the winter months when the roads are closed. The cable car ride itself is an experience, ascending 1,000 meters in just 7 minutes.
The plateau is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from grazing sheep and cattle to semi-wild horses. Keep an eye out for chamois, wolves, deer, wild boars, and a plethora of birds, reptiles, and amphibians as you explore the trails.
History buffs will find Campo Imperatore intriguing as well. It played a significant role during World War II as the place where Mussolini was held prisoner. You can even visit the room where he stayed, now a museum.
Campo Imperatore has been a backdrop for several famous films like:
"La storia di Serafino," starring Adriano Celentano (1960)
"Ladyhawke," a medieval fantasy film starring Michelle Pfeiffer (1985)
"The American," starring George Clooney (2010)
"Operazione U.N.C.L.E," directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Hugh Grant (2015)
Discover this hidden gem throughout our Youtube video we recorded in August 2023 :)
https://youtu.be/HTUXWfnJ-Yc?si=-JFeD_Dz934yoVZ4
Italy Best
with Andrea & Evija