Plizio Visual Lab
Gran Sasso
Gran Sasso d'Italia is the highest massif in the Apennine Mountains, located in the heart of the Abruzzo region. Its tallest peak, Corno Grande, reaches an elevation of 2,912 meters, offering vistas that can stretch to both the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas on clear days. Geologically, the massif is composed of limestone and dolomite originating from the Mesozoic era, uplifted during the Apennine orogeny. The range is home to the Calderone Glacier, historically the southernmost glacier in Europe, though it has significantly receded in recent decades. Below the peaks lies Campo Imperatore, a vast upland plateau at 2,000 meters often referred to as 'Little Tibet' due to its stark landscape. Historically, the area gained international attention for the daring rescue of Benito Mussolini from a mountaintop hotel in 1943. Currently, the massif is protected within a national park and hosts the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) deep underground, one of the world's premier facilities for astroparticle physics research.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Pizzo Cefalone · Monte Portella · Corno Piccolo
- Nearby: L'Aquila (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 75 | 68 | 59 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 32 | 67 | 74 | 90 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Corno Grande is the highest peak in the Apennines at 2,912 meters.
- The Calderone Glacier is the southernmost glacier in Europe.
- The Campo Imperatore plateau is 27 km long and 8 km wide.
- The Gran Sasso Laboratory is located 1,400 meters underground.
- The area is a key sanctuary for the rare Abruzzo chamois.
- The range has been part of a national park since 1991.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gran Sasso (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak in Gran Sasso?
Is there a ski resort there?
How can you reach the summit?
What animals live in the national park?
Is the location family-friendly?
Gran Sasso: where is it located?
Gran Sasso: what is there to see?
Gran Sasso: when is the best time to visit?
Gran Sasso: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
