Campo Imperatore is overlooked by the tallest peak of the Gran Sasso National Park © Buffy1982/Shutterstock
Explore Campo Imperatore, Italy’s answer to Tibet, by foot or on skis.
Campo Imperatore, sometimes called the ‘little Tibet’ of Italy, is a large plateau at over 1,500m above sea level. It is about 30km long and just under 10km wide, and is overlooked by the tallest peak of the Gran Sasso National Park, the Corno Grande. The area is most popular for its winter skiing, though it’s lovely to walk or drive here during the warmer months.
In 1943, Mussolini was imprisoned at what is now the Hotel Campo Imperatore. Please note that it is a complicated affair to drive around the area from around late October to March owing to heavy snowfalls. Many of the roads are cleared, but it is advisable to take great care and drive with wheel-chains.