Riserva regionale Montagne della Duchessa, Regional nature reserve in Borgorose, Italy
Riserva regionale Montagne della Duchessa is a protected mountain area in the Apennines featuring peaks, meadows, and limestone rock formations across varying elevations. The terrain spans from lower valleys to high summits and includes glacial lakes, forested slopes, and open grassland areas.
The area received protected status in 1990 and now connects with the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park to form a larger conservation zone. This designation aimed to safeguard the mountain landscape and its natural resources for the future.
The reserve contains the medieval settlement of Corvaro, where a 10th-century castle with elliptical walls and four circular towers still stands as a reminder of past life in these mountains. The hamlet shows how communities adapted to living in this high terrain.
The area can be explored through an extensive hiking network offering various difficulty levels and starting points. Depending on the route chosen, a visit can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
A high mountain lake in a glacial basin sits surrounded by alpine meadows and limestone cliffs, forming a rare high-altitude landscape. This natural lake is among the highest in the Apennine range and offers unusual views of the surrounding terrain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
