Cansano: Hiking, Nature and Ocriticum

Cansano combines hiking routes in the Parco Nazionale della Majella with beech forests and the archaeological site of Ocriticum. When choosing a hotel, you can consider whether hiking, nature or Roman history will be the focus of your stay. The locations differ significantly: one trail begins at a mountain pass, an information centre is in Cansano, and the ancient city lies near the built-up area. For planning, the specific location is therefore important alongside the theme.

Hiking and getting oriented

Trail T2 begins near Cansano at the pass between Fonte Pacile and Fonte Sulmontina. The Sentiero della Libertà, coming from the direction of Sulmona, also runs along the same pass. The Centro Informazioni in Cansano houses the park’s hiking centre. Hiking guides from the Collegio Regionale Guide Alpine d'Abruzzo organise guided hikes there year-round and provide detailed information. These are two different points of reference for your planning: the pass helps you locate the start of T2; the Centro is relevant for detailed information and guided hikes.

Getting there and other points of reference

The Area Picnic di Cansano is located in Loc. S. Nicola at an altitude of 863 metres and can be reached via the provincial road towards Campo di Giove. Cansano is accessible from Sulmona by TUA bus. Check the current timetable before travelling if you plan to use this connection. This distinguishes the bus connection from road access: the bus connects Sulmona and Cansano, while the provincial road provides access to the Area Picnic.

Nature and wildlife

More than 48 percent of Cansano’s territory lies within the Parco Nazionale della Majella. The town is surrounded by extensive beech forests regularly visited by wolves and brown bears. Unlike T2, which begins near Cansano at the pass, the easy, representative educational excursion for children and young people starts in Campo di Giove, ends in Cansano and passes through the territory of two free-ranging wolf packs.

Ocriticum and culture

Ocriticum is an ancient Roman city near the built-up area of Cansano. The Centro di Documentazione in Cansano houses archaeological finds from the area of Ocriticum. The site itself and the finds from its surrounding area are two distinct cultural and historical points of reference. The Museo di Cansano contains more than 500 photographs and documents. Thus, the ancient city, finds from its surrounding area, and a collection of photographs and documents are presented as distinct cultural resources.

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To the main travel overview: L-Aquila.