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Cammino di Celestino

The Cammino di Celestino follows the steps of the Pietro Angelerio's journey, also known as the Hermit Pietro da Morrone.

5 or 6 days of trekking for a total of 90 km (56 miles) in 6 stages, from Sulmona to Serramonacesca, visiting some of Maiella’s most beautiful villages.

One of Abruzzo's best treks

A fascinating and suggestive trek from an historic, cultural, landscape and naturalistic point of view; it unwinds completely within the Maiella National Park, on the paths walked by Pietro Angelerio and the places in which he dwelled, the hermitages.

The Cammino allows you to also visit the rural churches and abbeys that were key in Pietro’s life and his way to be crowned as Pope Celestine V; he chose Maiella for its wild beauty and lush nature, pristine yet welcoming towards men, in which he could find the necessary solitude for praying and meditating.

The stages of the Cammino

Six days surrounded by nature

Stage

I

From Sulmona to Pacentro

The first stage does not show unusual difficulties and it starts from the biggest complex left by the Celestinian order in Abruzzo: the majestic Badia Morronese

Once visited the Abbey, the path leads to the hermitage of Sant’Onofrio al Morrone, where it is also possible to visit the Italic sanctuary of Ercole Curino. The trail towards the Medieval village of Pacentro unwinds on a dirt track among cultivated fields and dry-stone walls.

Duration:  5 hours
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
Elevation loss: 260 m
Difficulty: the way up from the Badia to the hermitage of Sant’Onofrio is the part that requires the highest effort.
Classification: E (Hikers)

Stage

II

From Pacentro to Caramanico Terme

In the second stage the destination will be Caramanico Terme, hiking around the Monte Morrone via Passo San Leonardo.

In this stage the ascent is steady but never too hard, while it is paid back by the majestic view gradually showing on the Maiella massif, its “rave” and the steep channels leading to the summit of Monte Amaro. The cammino towards Caramanico gets across the beautiful hamlet of Roccacaramanico, where stopping is mandatory, to then keep walking at the foot of Monte Morrone until intercepting the path to Caramanico.

Duration:  6 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 19 km
Elevation gain: 660 m
Elevation loss: 700 m
Difficulty: The ascent takes place entirely in the morning. This one is a long yet pleasant stage.
Classification: E (Hikers)

Stage

III

From Caramanico Terme to Decontra

In this stage the Cammino develops entirely within the Orfento Valley, passing by the hermitage of Sant’Onofrio and concluding in Decontra.

The path goes through the beechwood of the Orfento Valley, crossing gorgeous wooden bridges amongst the smells and the colourful flowers sprouting along the riverbanks.

Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 18 km
Elevation gain: 780 m
Elevation loss: 580 m
Difficulty: the hardest section consists of a 100 m stretch to be walked holding a metal rope
Classification: EEA (Equipped Expert Hikers)

Stage

IV

From Decontra to Fonte Tettone

The fourth stage leaves from Decontra, quickly going up through maple woods, turning in wonderful colours in autumn, until the wide meadows leading to Pianagrande.

The trail, leading to the hermitage of San Giovanni, shows very narrow sections where the views on the Orfento Valley turn spectacular.
The Cammino will allow you to cross the lush green meadows of La Majelletta until joining the path going down to Fonte Tettone.

Duration:  7 hours
Distance: 14,5 km
Elevation gain: 1050 m
Elevation loss: 450 m
Difficulty: this stage shows a considerable elevation gain and short sections of exposed trail nearby San Giovanni.
Classification: EE (Expert Hikers)

Stage

V

From Fonte Tettone to Macchie di Coco

The 5th stage of the Cammino leaves nearby Fonte Tettone, ending then in Macchie di Coco.

The path, before getting across the beech forest towards the hermitage of Santo Spirito, offers a stunning view of the Santo Spirito Valley and of the Gran Sasso massif. From the hermitage of Santo Spirito, the trail leaves again towards Macchie di Coco and Roccamorice, where it will be possible to find refreshment and accommodation.

Duration:  5 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 13 km
Elevation gain: 350 m
Elevation loss: 1050 m
Difficulty: stage of medium difficulty with some downhill sections and a short but steep ascent on tarmac towards the hermitage of S. Spirito.
Classification: EE (Expert Hikers)

 

Stage

VI

From Macchie di Coco to Serramonacesca

The 6th and last stage takes place in the northernmost part of the Park, ending at the Abbey of San Liberatore in Serramonacesca.

The path leads to two very suggestive hermitages nestled since centuries on the mountains of the Park. The second half of the trail offers a stunning view of the sea, unwinding among dry-stone walls and ancient sheep folds, gradually descending towards Serramonacesca.

Duration:  6 hours
Distance: 13,5 km
Elevation gain: 260 m
Elevation loss: 600 m
Difficulty: final stage, not difficult, with short uphill sections alternating with sweet descents.
Classificazione: E (Hikers)

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