Colle della Civita: A Window into Majella National Park's Soul

Colle della Civita, located in the Province of Pescara within the Majella National Park, provides visitors with an accessible and scenic introduction to the park's natural and cultural heritage. The area, easily reached from Roccamorice, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to explore the remnants of a rural past.The primary draw of Colle della Civita is the walking trail, known as the 'Anello di Colle della Civita' (CP3), which loops around the hill, offering diverse perspectives and insights into the region's history. This relatively easy 4.8km hike takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it suitable for most fitness levels. As you walk, you'll notice the landscape's gradual evolution due to the decline of traditional farming and shepherding practices.Along the trail, partially used pastures intermingle with terraces overtaken by ferns, once cultivated but now returning to nature. Stone structures dot the landscape, remnants of a not-so-distant past when agriculture shaped the mountainside. The main complex at Colle della Civita, built in the 1940s, is nestled against the rock face, showcasing the ingenuity of adapting to the environment. Another point of interest is Fonte del Tasso, a spring named after the poet Torquato Tasso, who, according to local lore, stopped here during his travels. Whether the story is true or not, the spring offers a refreshing break, especially on warm days.For those seeking a longer trek, Colle della Civita can also be reached from Acquafredda di Roccamorice via the C2 trail or from Macchie di Coco through a connecting path to the Valle Giumentina area, each adding approximately 45 minutes to the journey.