Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia, Mountain plateau in Abruzzo, Italy.
Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia is a highland plateau in Abruzzo that stretches roughly 9 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width, sitting at an elevation of 1,265 meters. The landscape consists of gentle grasslands crossed by State Road 17, which connects the Gizio River valley and Peligna Valley to the north with the Raso stream valley to the south.
In 1528, extreme winter conditions on the plateau caused the death of around 300 mercenaries caught in heavy snowstorms. This tragic event revealed the harsh and unforgiving nature of the climate in this location.
The name of this highland refers to its distinctive dimensions and shape, and shepherds have used these grasslands for generations as seasonal migration routes during warmer months. This pastoral tradition remains deeply woven into the local way of life and continues to shape how people interact with the land.
The plateau is accessible year-round, but winters are extremely harsh with severe cold and heavy snowfall, so careful planning is necessary. The best time to explore is summer, when milder conditions make the terrain easier to navigate.
The name refers to a distance of roughly 5 miles, which matches the historical designation for the plateau's extent. This old term has endured over the centuries and locals still use it today to describe the area.
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