What to see in Campotosto, a small town in Abruzzo, located in the province of L'Aquila at an altitude of 1420 meters, which gives its name to the artificial lake of the same name, ideal for summer and especially winter holidays on the snow.
Tourist information
The village of Campotosto is one of those that are part of the Amiternina mountain community, located in the center of the natural reserve of the lake of the same name and located in the territory that is an integral part of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
It can be reached from the Aquila side by crossing the Capannelle Pass and from the Teramo one by taking the SS 80 of the Gran Sasso d’Italia, other secondary accesses are possible both from the Lazio side for those coming from the province of Amatrice and from the underlying Monrealese basin.
The climate of Campotosto is typical of these mountains, with a slight mitigating effect exerted by the presence of the lake, characterized by frequent snowfall and cold temperatures in winter, with cool and breezy summers.
The territory of Campotosto is very renowned from a naturalistic point of view, with the Gran Sasso d’Italia which forms the backdrop to the artificial lake which is the largest in Abruzzo.
This tourist resort is very popular especially during the winter season, while in the summer it is possible to make excursions around Campotosto lake, where there are equipped rest areas equipped with tables and benches.
What see
Leaving the town of Campotosto, the church of Santa Maria Apparente, dating back to 1604, is certainly worth a visit.
The Sanctuary Church is dedicated to the Madonna who, according to a legend, appeared in Campotosto in the 15th century, near the lake.
The Sanctuary of the Apparent Madonna has a Latin cross plan with a single nave interior, since it was originally a small chapel.
On the facade there is a large rose window and a classic style portal, while inside there is a decorated altar, made of wood and with golden leaves.
Below the church there is a crypt built inside an underground cave, where there are numerous Renaissance frescoes, some of which ruined by humidity, while on others you can clearly see the scenes of the coming of the Madonna to Campotosto in addition to those related to the Nativity.
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Among the local gastronomic specialties that deserves to be tasted, there is the delicious mortadella from Campotosto, a sausage made strictly by hand.
