LA MAIELLETTA HIKE FROM BOCCA DI VALLE TO SANTO SPIRITO A MAIELLA

On this route you will discover the authentic and unspoilt nature of the Majella National Park, a green, rich and wild land, characterized by century-old beech woods and majestic barren peaks, flowery meadows and paths leading to solitary hermitages set in the rock.
The route goes through landscape of incomparable beauty, and habitats inhabited by otters, wolves, deer, wild boar and chamois. The hike ends at the the hermitage of Santo Spirito, a set of buildings leaning against a rock wall. Restored by Pietro da Morrone (Celestino V) in the fifth decade of the 13th century, in 1263 the hermitage came under the apostolic protection of Urban V and was incorporated into the Order of Saint Benedict.

The hike is 16.86-km long, to be covered in 2 days (7h and 30').

Piedi

Travelling time on foot:

2 Days

STAGE 1 - BOCCA DI VALLE AND THE VILLAGE OF GUARDIAGRELE

Day 1: Between nature and culture

Arrival at Bocca di Valle. Here we are at approximately 5 km from the town of Guardiagrele, 650 metres above sea level.

STAGE 2 - SAN GIOVANNI WATERFALLS

Day 2: The primitive landscape of La Maiella

Right from the start, we are surrounded by a natural scenery of exceptional beauty. After a pleasant hike through the woods we reach the spectacular San Giovanni Waterfall at 1080 metres. At a higher altitude, the vegetation changes to an open landscape, where on clear days you can enjoy breathtaking views all the way to the sea.
The first-day hike can be simplified by driving to Piana delle Mele (4km from your residence) and starting the hike from here.

STAGE 3 - THE HERMITAGE OF SANTO SPIRITO

Day 3: Along the paths of the soul

A short hike, mostly downhill, will take you to the hermitages of Pietro da Morrone. The hermitage of Santo Spirito, at 1130m, is a fascinating set of buildings leaning against the rock. Here, on several levels dating from different historical periods, we can see the church, the sacristy, the small cells of Pietro's first companions, and the house of Prince Caracciolo, who retired here in the 17th century.

LA MAIELLETTA HIKE FROM BOCCA DI VALLE TO SANTO SPIRITO A MAIELLA

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