Velino-Silente park is 60000 hectares large. It comprises a chain of mountains overlooking the karstic highland of the Rocche surrounding the peak of the Sirente mountain and Velino mountain which with its height of 2486 metres is the third peak of the Appennines.

On the highest peaks, the famous wandering rocks can still be found. They go back to the ice period of  the Quaternary.

Karstic phenomena can be found everywhere starting from the Pozzo Caldaio, a swallow-hole which collects the waters of  the basin of Rocca di Cambio; the waters are released in the Risorgenza di Stiffe where can be found interesting caves rich of stalagmites and stalactites. They can be visited through guided routes.

There are also wild areas of particular naturalistic interest, like the ravines of Celano, a long fabulous canyon. Piani di Pezza, meadows of Sirente, the forest of’Anatella, the valley of Puzzillo, the gorge of Teve and valley of Majelama.

 The sea is quite far away. The climate is quite cold. The highlands are quite windy and the peaks are quite often covered with snow. All the landscape is rich with botanic interest.

Altopiano delle Rocche is very well-known due to its spring fully bloom of narcissus frequented every year by a lot of tourists and people fond of Nature. All the villages of the park offer elements of historical interests. The ruins of Alba Fucens testify the life of a town that during the Empire was the residence of famous people.

In Massa d’Albe can be found the famous Romanic church of St Peter. All the Aterno Valley is dotted with small artistic and historic villages.

The Pagliare di Tione and Fotecchio testify old highland residences for shepherds. Rocca di Mezzo   

Cambio di Rocca and Ovindoli are very good starting points for excursions in the park.

• Registered office –Town hall of Rocca di Mezzo  +39 0863 917880

• Operating office Comunità Montana Sirentina –Secinaro +39 0862 916343 fax 9160’18 – sirvel@tin.it