Farindola: Mountain Landscape, History and Pecorino di Farindola

Farindola lies on the eastern foothills of Gran Sasso d’Italia. The area stretches from the riverbed of the Tavo at an altitude of 280 metres to the summit of Monte San Vito at 1,892 metres and encompasses forests, high-altitude pastures, river landscapes, rocky habitats, wooded areas and farmland. This range of environments makes Farindola a destination for nature, hiking, cultural and culinary experiences.

Hiking between the Tavo and Monte San Vito

The Anello di Rigopiano is a classic circular hiking trail in Farindola. It leads from the karst depression of Rigopiano to the summit of Monte San Vito. This places hiking at the centre of an experience that clearly connects the area’s diverse landscapes.

Natural Environment and Scientific Themes

The Grotta del Geotritone Italiano is located in the Valle d’Angri near the Cascata del Vitello d’Oro. The cave, carved into the rock, was restored to its natural state to promote the settlement and reproduction of the Italian cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus. The Cascata del Vitello d’Oro appears only at certain times of the year.

The Area Faunistica del Camoscio was the first wildlife area for chamois established in the park. Some chamois from this area were released into the wild on Gran Sasso as part of measures carried out by the park administration. The Polo Scientifico in Farindola also houses a Geological Observatory, an interactive museum and a wildlife area dedicated to the chamois.

Historic Centre and Sacred Art

The historic centre, situated on a hill, preserves gateways, ancient ovens and characteristic stairways that bear witness to Farindola’s medieval origins. The Chiesa madre di San Nicola was rebuilt in the 1920s over an earlier building dating back to 1080. Inside is a wooden statue of Sant’Antonio.

The Palazzo Farnese also combines architectural history and art. It was once the residence of the Farnese authorities; one of its rooms features a fresco of the "Judgement of Solomon". The Chiesetta di San Cesidio preserves a painting of the Virgin Mary and San Leonardo.

Pecorino di Farindola and Local Life

Farindola is one of the municipalities whose entire territory lies within the typical production area of Pecorino di Farindola. This area is located in the Abruzzo region on the eastern side of the Gran Sasso d’Italia mountain range and comprises nine municipalities in the provinces of Pescara and Teramo.

The present-day production methods for Pecorino di Farindola have been passed down in accordance with an old oral tradition and have remained essentially unchanged. At the Casera Consortile in the centre of Farindola, you can buy and taste the local cheese. The Farindolesi are regarded as craftspeople who practise agriculture and livestock farming. This gives the regional speciality a clear connection to local economic and everyday life.

Discover More Places

For more travel ideas, you can also consider Collecorvino, Citta' Sant'angelo, Manoppello, Cepagatti, Sant'eufemia A Maiella, Villa Celiera, Cerratina and Nocciano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pescara.