Skip menu

Bosco di Sant'Antonio

Overview

The Bosco di Sant'Antonio, Abruzzo: a fairytale world

Always synonymous with fairytale landscapes for its centuries-old 'candelabra' beech trees, the Bosco di Sant'Antonio was considered a sacred forest dedicated to Jupiter in classic times and only during the Middle Ages was dedicated to the Saint to whom it is still dedicated today.

One of Abruzzo's most beautiful beech forests covering 17 hectares, the Bosco di Sant'Antonio is located in the municipality of Pescocostanzo, at the foot of the Majella between the ridges of Monte Pizzalto and Monte Rotella. Centuries-old beech trees in the most bizarre shapes dominate this Nature Reserve, but in the area it is not difficult to spot field maple, wild pear, cherry, black hornbeam and yew.

In the forest, anemones, peonies, primroses, cyclamens, gentians and the rare orchid Epipactis purpurata bloom, adding to the fairytale feel of this protected area populated by the rare white-backed woodpecker, Dalmatian woodpecker and small collared flycatcher. It is not uncommon to spot small mammals and other animals that are very widespread in Abruzzo, such as wolves, bears and wildcats.

 

The Majella National Park and the hermitage of Sant'Antonio

The forest was for a long time protected as a regional reserve, but since 1992 it has become part of the Majella National Park and also because of this it has seen an increase in the number of visitors who choose it every year during the summer for excursions and horseback riding. During the winter, however, the Bosco di Sant'Antonio turns into an attractive destination for cross-country skiing.

Visiting the Bosco di Sant'Antonio and walking the path leading to the hermitage dating back to the 14th-15th centuries requires no special skills. A 2.8-kilometre loop trail with a total height difference of 70 metres, easily covered in less than an hour and well protected by the shade of the beech trees.

The large green lawns and wooden tables positioned in different areas of the forest also make it the perfect place for picnics and relaxing afternoons with the whole family. 

Bosco di Sant'Antonio

67033 Pescocostanzo AQ, Italia

Related articles

Art and culture
Abruzzo, a plunge into nature between sea and mountains

Abruzzo, a plunge into nature between sea and mountains

Lakes
The Campotosto Lake Nature Reserve, for trekking and water sports

The Campotosto Lake Nature Reserve, for trekking and water sports

Sport
Gran Sasso, Abruzzo

Gran Sasso, the thousand climbing routes in Abruzzo

Art and culture
Visit Scanno by car

Visit Scanno by car

Lakes
Lago di Scanno, a real treasure for amateurs and sportspeople

Lago di Scanno, a real treasure for amateurs and sportspeople

Sport
Campo Imperatore, not just skiing in Abruzzo

Campo Imperatore, not just skiing in Abruzzo

Nature
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

Food and wine
Red Garlic from Sulmona, Abruzzo: an indigenous variety that is popular abroad

Red Garlic from Sulmona, Abruzzo: an indigenous variety that is popular abroad

Mountain
5 reasons for a weekend in roccaraso

5 good reasons to spend a weekend in the snow in Roccaraso

Sport
Photo by: Coop Il Bosso

River rapids ride in Abruzzo: a rafting adventure

Sport
Skiing in Abruzzo

Skiing in Abruzzo

Cultural cities
Teramo, nature and history intertwined

Teramo, nature and history intertwined

Nature
Photo by: Valentina Razzi

Cascate del Verde, a glimpse of rare beauty in the Apennines

Cycling tourism
Cycling around nature and historic hamlets in Abruzzo

Cycling around nature and historic hamlets in Abruzzo

Spirituality
Discovering the hermitages of Abruzzo: two spectacular pearls of the Majella

Discovering the hermitages of Abruzzo: two spectacular pearls of the Majella

Sea
The Terraces on the Abruzzo Sea

The Terraces on the Abruzzo Sea

Leisure
An adventure in the parks of Abruzzo

An adventure in the parks of Abruzzo

Nature
Abruzzo, let yourself be captivated by the wilderness of a land ready to be discovered

Abruzzo, let yourself be captivated by the wilderness of a land ready to be discovered

Spirituality
The Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs: sacredness and beauty

The Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs: sacredness and beauty

Nature
The stages of the Via dei Lupi in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

The stages of the Via dei Lupi in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Ops! An error occurred while sharing your content. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page.