The ridge-top village in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park
On a narrow limestone ridge at about 1,250 metres, in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Opi is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in central Italy, one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia". Its stone houses line up along the crest of the hill, with a single main street and a few lanes descending on either side, giving it the appearance, when seen from the valley, of a long ship or a sleeping animal stretched out between the mountains. From its belvederes, the view sweeps over the valley of the Sangro and the peaks of the park, among the most spectacular in the Apennines.
Opi is the best starting point for exploring some of the most famous areas of the park. A short distance away is the Val Fondillo, a wide green valley with meadows, beech woods and streams, from which trails lead to waterfalls such as the Cascata delle Tre Cannelle, and the Camosciara, a natural amphitheatre of high rock walls where the Apennine chamois live, with the waterfalls of the Ninfe and delle Tre Cannelle. Near Opi, some of the ancient beech forests that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site can be found. In the village, the Museo del Camoscio is dedicated to the chamois, the symbol of Opi, with information on its biology and the story of how it was saved from extinction. In August, the village hosts a popular food festival dedicated to local products.
Tip: hike in Val Fondillo, the easiest entry to the park's wildlife; at dawn, look for chamois on the slopes of the Camosciara.
Where it is
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