Sibillini Mountains National Park, National park in Marche and Umbria, Italy
The national park spreads across a wide mountain landscape in Marche and Umbria with high summits, deep valleys, and open limestone ridges. The paths cross different elevations, from wooded slopes to bare plateaus with scree fields and small lakes.
The park was founded in 1993 to protect the landscape after centuries of agricultural use. Centuries earlier, travelers and pilgrims crossed these passes on their way between Rome and the Adriatic coast.
Residents in the surrounding villages maintain a long tradition of sheep herding and still use seasonal highland pastures along the mountain slopes. Hikers encounter narrow stone paths and old shepherds' shelters that continue to reflect the centuries-old bond between people and the peaks.
Several visitor centers in the edge villages offer information and current updates about weather conditions and trail status. The paths are usually walkable in summer, while snow and fog in spring and autumn require extra care.
In the rock walls near Montemonaco lies a cave that once served as an oracle site and drew visitors from across Europe. Today, only the opening in the rock and local stories recall this forgotten pilgrimage site.
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