Trek the Transhumance in Abruzzo

The tiny (population 50ish) fortified hill town of Castrovalva, Italy is perched on a knife-edge mountain overlooking the Sagittarius Gorge in Anversa degli Abruzzi. Made famous by M.C. Escher's lithograph in 1930, the village has changed little since it was built in the Middle Ages. For sure, there is electricity and running water, and the road has definitely been widened, but it over flows with old-world charm.

Castrovalva is situated on an off-shoot of a Transhumance route, a narrow, pre-Roman trail used to move flocks of sheep spending their summers pasturing the mountains of Abruzzo in the warm months to the more-southern region of Puglia during winter. Although the trails are used less for sheep these days they make great hiking trails in a world of wild, spectacular beauty.

So, join outfitter Hardy Durkin on a trek through Anversa degli Abruzzi. Visit Abruzzo's rich heritage, enjoy the butterflies, try some juniper-smoked ricotta, and have a good read: Abruzzo Intrigue. Bluette Matthey.com