Morino: Zompo lo Schioppo Nature Reserve and Historic Trails

Morino is shaped above all by the Zompo lo Schioppo Regional Nature Reserve. The 1,025-hectare protected area lies within the municipality of Morino. Here, you can consider nature, hiking trails, history and local culture as different focal points of your trip.

Karst Landscape and Waterfall

Zompo lo Schioppo is an intermittent karst spring that dries up annually during the summer and autumn months. Its water plunges more than 130 metres over a steep limestone wall, forming the highest natural waterfall in the Apennines. The reserve’s underground water system includes caves, karst valleys, shafts and sinkholes. Extensive beech forests and other karst features, such as swallow holes, shape the landscape. Part of the protected area lies within the Monte Viglio – Zompo lo Schioppo – Pizzo Deta Site of Community Importance.

Hiking Trails and Practical Orientation

For less experienced hikers, children and older people, the reserve offers themed trails with a lower level of difficulty. There are also longer hiking trails marked by the CAI. The Lo Schioppo, Piano Sacramento and La Fossa picnic areas have tables, benches, fireplaces, sanitary facilities and a refreshment area. This makes it possible to take different trail lengths and ways of spending time into account when planning, without limiting the nature experiences to a single route.

Museum and Environmental Education

The Centro Visita e Museo Naturalistico della Riserva presents karst caves, human use of the protected area over time, the beech forest and the rock walls. In addition, the reserve offers environmental education workshops and camps aimed particularly at younger visitors. The Ecomuseo della Riserva Naturale Zompo lo Schioppo is scheduled to be open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on Sundays by prior arrangement.

Morino Vecchio and Sacred Heritage

Morino Vecchio is a ghost town connected with the history of a community that moved farther down the valley in order to continue living. Some paths in Morino Vecchio have been made safe to walk. Significant remains include the bell tower of Santa Maria Bambina. An underground ossuary is located among the remains of the Church of San Rocco. Only a few ruins remain of the Church of San Pietro in Brecciose near Morino; its name first appears between 1060 and 1063.

The Cauto Trail leads to the rock church of Santa Maria del Cauto, which features frescoes dating from the late 12th century. This route therefore combines a specific hiking destination with a preserved example of medieval sacred art.

Getting There and Local Impressions

From the north, you can reach the reserve via the A25, the Avezzano exit and then the Superstrada del Liri towards Sora. Morino is approximately 15 minutes from the exit. Culinary traditions are also part of the region’s character: In spring, the Pro Loco di Rendinara organises a cheese festival featuring tastings of local pecorino made using traditional methods.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also explore Cappadocia, Camarda, Campo Di Giove, Paganica, Preturo, Capitignano, Sassa and Cerchio.

To the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.