The Surroundings
Places and experiences to discover
The village of Barrea is a true mountain gem, just waiting to be discovered!
You will be able to admire its uniqueness, rooted in an ancient history. Thanks to its traditions and culture, this village has preserved its beauty and distinctive character.
Barrea lies within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, overlooking the lake of the same name—a place where emotions and atmosphere come to life. A still-wild environment, ancient forests covering valleys and mountains, rare flora and fauna unique to the Apennines, and unforgettable views in every season.
Barrea was built on a rocky spur dominating the valley, once known as Vallis Regia, and is surrounded by numerous springs with prized waters. Don’t miss the chance to visit this wonderful place and discover everything it has to offer!
BARREA OPEN-AIR MUSEUM
A book of nature and art, without walls, open all year round
Along a route marked by spectacular viewpoints, you can rediscover Barrea’s historical and cultural heritage, guided by information panels that showcase breathtaking panoramas and tell the story of palaces, churches, fountains and other points of interest that define the village’s past and present.
From the entrance to the historic center (Case Nuove), you reach Porta di Sopra which, together with Porta di Sotto, represents the two gateways to the medieval village. The old town is enclosed by a ring of Case Mura, an ancient defensive settlement model, and inside it unfolds a labyrinth of alleys, small squares and panoramic views.
Perched on the cliff and overlooking the Sangro Gorge stands “Lo Studio”, the ancient Benedictine Monastery built around the year 1000, dominating the entire valley together with the monumental castle, with its two towers, located at the highest part of the village.
GOLA DEL SANGRO
The Barrea Gorge
A wonderful stop, a true springboard for a geological dive into one of the most beautiful seas of the past: the impressive erosive phenomenon created by the Sangro River is the deep gorge known as Foce di Barrea.
A spectacular canyon of about six kilometers, framed by sheer, towering walls. From above, you can enjoy a stunning panorama where your gaze moves through nature’s enchanted colors: the intense green of the woods, the deep blue of the sky, and the clear, transparent blue of the crystalline waters of the lake and the Sangro River. For a moment, let yourself be embraced by the highest peaks, whose rocks hold clues to the magical geological history of this part of the Apennines.
And if we close our eyes? We no longer see the gorges, but we walk on small islands that, millions of years ago, rose from a shallow sea—then we dive into a deeper one, moving from a garden of corals to a sea rich in plankton.
Lake Barrea
Nature, Engineering and Beauty
Lake Barrea lies in the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and is the result of the artificial damming of the Sangro River, carried out in the early 1950s. This project, an example of the most advanced Italian engineering of its time, was completed without compromising the beauty or the environmental balance of the surrounding valley.
Over time, the lake has become a valuable ecosystem and has been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. An important agreement between the Park and ENEL encouraged the development of aquatic vegetation, contributing to the protection of biodiversity and water quality.
Today, Lake Barrea is an ideal destination for hikers, families and nature lovers. Along its shores run easy panoramic trails suitable for everyone, offering breathtaking views, opportunities to observe wildlife and moments of peace within a unique landscape.
A place where nature and human ingenuity coexist in perfect harmony.
The Protected Nature
of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise
More than one hundred years after its foundation, and with its ancient beech forests recognized in 2017 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise is a true treasure chest of biodiversity.
In this still-wild environment, mountain massifs, vast centuries-old forests, clear waters, pure air and remarkable fauna and flora—together with a long-standing human presence—are precious assets that the Park continuously protects. All of this forms the backdrop to mountain villages such as Barrea, rich in ancient charm, where stories and flavors are preserved and where the present blends with tradition.
Walking along the trails of the National Park allows for a deep immersion in nature—an experience that always offers powerful emotions.
Experience Outdoor Abruzzo
Outdoor activities and experiences from Camping La Genziana.
Trekking in the National Park of Abruzzo, stages 125 and 126 of the Sentiero Italia, cycling through villages and forests, horseback riding, swimming, windsurfing and canoeing on Lake Barrea.
Services at Camping La Genziana
Comfort and nature in the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo
Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the valley of Lake Barrea, the campsite offers spacious areas, well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those traveling by camper, tent or caravan.