Natural Reserve of Monte Rotondo

Monte Rotondo Natural Reserve spreads across a forested region between two large mountain massifs with varied elevations supporting different forest and vegetation types. Visitors find beech and fir forests here that transition into mixed woodlands at lower elevations.

The area remained under private control until the second half of the twentieth century, when it came under state management to protect it from intensive forest use. These protective measures enabled the gradual recovery and restoration of the ecosystem.

The name Monte Rotondo refers to the distinctive rounded mountain shape visible across the valley. Visitors can observe how local hikers and conservationists use the traditional forest paths to explore and protect the landscape.

Marked trails crisscross the grounds, allowing visitors to explore the reserve on foot with routes suitable for different fitness levels. An information center with exhibits is located within the reserve to help guide your visit.

The grounds provide habitat for rare animal species, some of which survive in only a handful of locations across the Apennine region. The presence of these creatures demonstrates how critical the protected forest habitat is to their survival in this part of Italy.

Location: Province of L'Aquila

Inception: 1982

GPS coordinates: 42.18740,13.88542

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:42