Pietracamela

Pietracamela is a mountain village sitting at 1,005 meters elevation at the base of the Gran Sasso massif. It lies within Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and provides access to ski areas and trails throughout this alpine terrain.

The settlement first appeared in written records during the 15th century under the name Petracameri. It then came under the rule of the Orsini family before being transferred to Ferrante de Alarcon y Mendoza.

The medieval center holds the Church of San Giovanni from 1432, with its distinctive bell tower, and the Church of San Rocco featuring a carved stone doorway. These structures shape how visitors experience the heart of the village today.

The nearby Prati di Tivo area offers easy access to ski runs and hiking trails suited to different skill levels. The location works well as a base for day trips into the surrounding mountains, so bring sturdy footwear and layers for changing weather conditions.

The local Pretarolo language is spoken by only a handful of people and incorporates body movements and gestures as core parts of how meaning is expressed. This rare form of communication represents one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the region.

Location: Province of Teramo

Capital city: Pietracamela

Elevation above the sea: 1,005 m

Shares border with: Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia, L’Aquila, Fano Adriano

Website: http://comune.pietracamela.te.it

GPS coordinates: 42.52306,13.55333

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02