Cammino nelle Terre Mutate

A Slow Journey Through the Heart of the Apennines

 

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Some paths cross landscapes, and others cross stories. The Cammino nelle Terre Mutate does both. It is an invitation to set out on a journey to listen to the silences left by the earthquake and the voices of those who chose to stay, to rebuild, to resist. It is a path that asks not only for strong legs, but also for open eyes and an open heart. Walking means choosing not to look the other way. It is a political act, but also a deeply human one: a way to say “we are here”, to inhabit those lands wounded by the earthquakes in the central Apennines between 2009 and 2016, and to discover how, even among the rubble, new communities can be reborn and created. It is a journey that reminds us that beauty does not always coincide with order or comfort, but is often found in scars, in the marks left by what has been. Walking here is an exercise in responsibility and attention, an experience that has the power to transform. You realise that every encounter, every tent pitched, every shared meal, every dusty path tells something about the communities you pass through, the landscapes, and those who walk them.

The route stretches for over 250 kilometres, from Fabriano to L’Aquila, along a ridge that connects four regions (Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo) and passes through the places affected by the major earthquakes in central Italy. It is a path suitable both for individuals and groups, with widespread hospitality or accommodation in small local facilities and associations. It requires some adaptability in certain stages, particularly affected by the earthquake, but the rewards are breathtaking views and extraordinary human hospitality. The route crosses two National Parks – the Sibillini and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga – historic villages, and landscapes such as Castelluccio di Norcia beneath Monte Vettore, from Lago di Fiastra to Lago di Campotosto, all the way to L’Aquila, our Santiago. But what makes this itinerary special are the people: long-time residents and newcomers, keepers of memory who open their doors, tell stories, and turn hospitality into friendships for a day or for a lifetime. The Cammino nelle Terre Mutate is not just a path; it is a journey of regenerative tourism and rebirth that we invite you to take part in.

TECHNICAL DATA
Length: 250 km
Stages: 14
Start: Fabriano
End: L’Aquila
Average elevation gain: 500 m
Type: solidarity-based, nature, mountain

 

We are working on a fully English guide. For now, we kindly ask for your patience, but we are fully available to support you in organising your journey!

Are you thinking of taking this journey and need support?

Write to info@camminonelleterremutate.org
One of our volunteers will get in touch with you to help you plan your journey!

(In many stages, knowledge of English is not widespread, but the hospitality is so warm that we assure you it will not be a problem!)

HISTORY

The Cammino nelle Terre Mutate was not born as a tourism project, but as a gesture of solidarity and humanity, step by step, thanks to the founding associations: Movimento Tellurico, Federtrek, and APE Roma. Everything began in 2012 with the Lunga Marcia per L’Aquila (the ‘Long March to L’Aquila’), an initiative of solidarity and protest against the abandonment of the territories affected by the 2009 earthquake. A small group walked across the Apennines to draw attention to stalled reconstruction and forgotten communities. Faces, experiences, and struggles joined that march: from Novi di Modena to Norcia, from San Giuliano di Puglia to Amatrice, the territories wounded by earthquakes found a common thread. After the 2016–2017 earthquakes, that thread stretched even further. A new path was created, from Fabriano to L’Aquila. And it is precisely there that the idea took shape: to transform the march into a permanent route that brings together memory, resistance, and beauty, and continues to focus attention on the Terre Mutate.

Thus was born the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate, a solidarity trek of over 250 km, crossing communities and landscapes changed by the earthquakes, yet still alive, welcoming, and on their path to build a new future.
Since 2017, the route has developed as a collective, grassroots experience, carried forward by volunteers, local associations, walkers, and residents.

In 2024, after more than two years of listening and sharing with local communities, the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate volunteer association was founded, with the aim of preserving this project and helping it to grow. Composed of members from all the areas crossed by the route, the association represents the path as a whole and carries forward its legacy of solidarity and mutual support.

Walking in the Terre Mutate is not just about passing through places: it means taking care of them, listening to them, supporting them. It means participating in a process of collective rebirth, where every step is an act of respect, and every encounter a possibility for mutual building. It means taking part and being partisans of the land.

 

STAGES

Below you will find the description of each stage. To download the tracks, you need to register (for free) here: https://camminoterremutate.org/login/

They will then be available on this page: https://camminoterremutate.org/mappa-digitale/

in GPX and KML format, for both walking and cycling.

Stage 1: Fabriano – Matelica (20 km, elevation +650, -620 m)
This stage is the beginning of the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate, starting from the main square – Piazza del Comune – in Fabriano. Passing through the historic centre, you leave the town along a path lined with monumental oak trees. The route continues towards the hermitage of San Silvestro on the slopes of Monte Fano, until it overlooks Valleremita. It then proceeds on dirt roads through woods at the foot of Monte Alto until reaching the Toiano Valley, which leads, via an asphalt road, to the village of Esanatoglia. After crossing the Esino River, the route continues through cultivated hills to the centre of Matelica.

Stage 2: Matelica – Camerino (23 km, elevation +840, -580 m)
From the centre of Matelica, the route heads south, turning towards Mistraniello and climbing gentle hills that lead to Monte Pulischio. Remaining at altitude in amidst lush vegetation, views open over the vineyards of the Marche region, Camerino, and the Sibillini Mountains on the horizon.
From Prati delle Cese, after a slight descent, you reach the small village of Castel Santa Maria, and following the asphalt road, you arrive at the village of Castel Sant’Angelo. Remaining at altitude, the route continues to the village of Costa, where a descent through Mediterranean scrub leads to the valley floor of the Potenza river; from there – an optional variant reaches the beautiful village of Pioraco. After crossing the river among the hills and a steep climb, you reach the settlement of Seppio. Continuing southeast gently rolling countryside, you finally arrive at the slopes of Camerino before reaching the town with a final ascent.

Stage 3: Camerino – Fiastra (21 km, elevation +870, -740 m)
The stage starts from the artistic city of Camerino, perched on the enchanting hilly landscape of the Marche region, and heads towards Fiastra within the Monti Sibillini National Park. The route alternates between asphalt sections and shorter stretches on dirt roads and paths. The Lago di Lake Polverina and the village of the same name provide a pleasant break to rest. The arrival on the hill overlooking Fiastra, with the Romanesque church of San Paolo and the Magalotti castle, and a view of the blue waters of Lago di Fiastra, is a beautiful reward after the effort of the stage.

Stage 4: Fiastra – Ussita (20 km, elevation +1000, -830 m)
One of the most beautiful and scenic stages of the entire route.
From Fiastra, you climb through a forest on a steep path up to Fonte del Pozzo, from where you can enjoy a splendid view over Lago di Fiastra. The route continues along panoramic ridgelines bordered by green mountain pastures. It then descends towards Fonte Troncaccia, not always easily accessible due to mud. You climb again towards the ridge that separates the Alfi Valley from Camponomo, then descend towards the Macereto plateau, where the Sanctuary of the same name is located.
From here, a short stretch of asphalt road leads down to the Ussita valley, dominated by the striking dolomitic massif of Monte Bove.

Stage 5: Ussita – Campi di Norcia (23 km, elevation +1000, -1200 m)
A beautiful and varied stage through the upper valley of the Nera river.  From Ussita, you climb towards Monte Careschio along a path overlooking the valley of the Ussita stream. After about 7 km, you reach one of the medieval watchtowers of the defensive walls of the village of Visso. From here, you descend into the valley, cross the town and the Nera river, then climb again towards the Visso valley along the ancient road to Norcia. The route continues uphill through the forest, then reaches wide mountain meadows, once cultivated, at the foot of Monte Cardosa. Near the summit of Monte Macchialunga, you leave the Grande Anello dei Sibillini (a multi-day loop trail around the Park) and descend along a steep, rocky path towards Campi di Norcia.

Stage 6: Campi di Norcia – Norcia (10 km, elevation +350, -460 m)
This is the shortest stage of the route.  The stage begins by entering the wide and peaceful Castoriana valley, then climbing towards Forca d’Ancarano, passing the small hamlets of Piè del Colle and Sant’Angelo. At Forca d’Ancarano, the Santa Scolastica plateau unfolds before you, with the beautiful town of Norcia in its northern part.  Along an easy path through wheat fields, you pass the hamlet of Fontevena and soon reach the central square of Norcia, dominated by the Basilica of San Benedetto, patron saint of Europe.

Stage 7: Norcia – Castelluccio di Norcia (15 km, elevation +1120, -310 m)
In this stage, you reach one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire Italian natural park system: the karst-alluvial plateau of Castelluccio di Norcia, beneath Monte Vettore and the summit of Cima del Redentore. After the effort of the 1000-metre elevation gain from Norcia, along an ancient shepherd’s path to the pass of Monte Ventosola, you are more than rewarded by breathtaking views over the Pian Grande of Castelluccio, the surrounding peaks, and the more distant Apennine mountains. A long descent leads to the Pian Grande, where you walk among the cultivated fields of the prized PGI lentils, and then up to the hilltop village of Castelluccio.

Stage 8: Castelluccio di Norcia – Arquata del Tronto (18 km, elevation +400, -1120 m)
This stage of the CTM starts from Castelluccio di Norcia, located on a hill offering beautiful views of the plain below, whose settlement was completely destroyed by the 2016–17 earthquakes. During the flowering period (May–June) of the renowned lentil crops, the plain lights up with complementary colours, offering views of rare beauty. Once you leave the spectacular Forca di Presta, you enter Arquata del Tronto.

Stage 9: Arquata del Tronto – Accumoli (18 km, elevation +840, -640 m)
This stage of the CTM takes us from Arquata del Tronto, one of the municipalities most devastated by the 2016–17 earthquakes, to Accumoli near the epicentre of the earthquake of August 24, 2016. The stage is of intermediate difficulty and length, and one of the most emotionally touching. The first part of the route takes place in the southeastern corner of the Monti Sibillini National Park and, for most of its duration, overlooks the territory of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

Stage 10: Accumoli – Amatrice (17.5 km, elevation +670, -600 m)
This stage of the CTM takes us from Accumoli to Amatrice, whose centre was almost completely destroyed by the 2016 earthquake. The route alternates between asphalt sections and paths. Along the way, you encounter several settlements – or rather what remains of them – and some SAE housing units, which allow you to understand the damage suffered and the current situation.  It is a stage of medium difficulty and length.

Stage 11: Amatrice – Campotosto (16 km, elevation +650, -270 m)
The stage follows ancient paths that once connected the town of Amatrice to mountain pastures and Campotosto; it is of medium length and presents no particular difficulties. The peaks of the Monti della Laga will accompany the journey throughout the day, mostly along marked trails. The elevation gain is mainly concentrated in the climb to Serrarota. After the woodland of Macchie Ardenze, the route descends towards Campotosto, with breathtaking views of the lake and the northwestern side of the Gran Sasso. The stage also has great natural value: in spring, the blooming of the mountain flowers and plants is among the most varied and colourful in the Apennines, and in every season it is not uncommon to encounter hares and roe deer.

Stage 12: Campotosto – Mascioni (15 km, elevation +550, -550 m)
For a brief stretch of the route, you will retrace the previous stage up towards the summit of Monte Cardito; then head southwest towards the hamlet of Poggio Cancelli. Between the summit of Monte Coculle and the now almost abandoned alleys of the small village, careful orientation is required among dense broom bushes and descents across grassy benchland (about 0.5 km). At the dam level, the ascent begins towards the flat summit of Monte Mascioni. We recommend stopping and admiring the unforgettable panorama: the undisputed dominant presence, among the Apennine mountains and peaks visible from this hidden and precious terrace, is the Gran Sasso massif. After the break, the descent begins towards the village of Mascioni, on the opposite side of the lake from Campotosto.

Stage 13: Mascioni – Collebrincioni (26.4 km, elevation +730, -800 m)
One of the most demanding sections of the route, due to its length and the orientation difficulties in some parts. It is also one of the most beautiful stages, leading the walker from the green, gentle landscapes of the Laga Mountains to the granite heights of the Gran Sasso massif.
The elevation gain is moderate and mainly concentrated in the short climb leading to the chapel of San Vincenzo and the Vasto provincial road. The final part of the stage, along the southwestern boundary of the park, crosses magnificent rolling hills before descending to the small village of Collebrincioni, offering breathtaking views over the Abruzzo mountains and L’Aquila.

Stage 14: Collebrincioni – L’Aquila (9 km, elevation +110, -510 m)
The final stage of the route is a pleasant walk that, in about two hours, leads to the centre of the city of L’Aquila, passing through the San Giuliano district.
After a short detour to Fonte Vecchia, recently restored, you take the path descending to the sanctuary of Madonna Fore, a small church much loved by the people of L’Aquila and a favourite destination for Sunday walks.
Along the path, the profiles of the Majella, Sirente, and Monte Ocre fill your view, along with a beautiful panorama over the L’Aquila basin.
Finally, you enter the city: you have reached your destination.

 

SERVICES AVAILABLE STAGE BY STAGE

Are there supermarkets?
Supermarkets can be found in Fabriano, Amatrice and L’Aquila. Along the route, small grocery shops can be found in the following stages: Matelica, Camerino, Ussita, Norcia, Arquata del Tronto, Amatrice, and Campotosto. In general, services are limited, but in every stage, there is at least a bar, a restaurant, or a local contact person who can help in case of need.

Are there pharmacies?
Pharmacies can be found in Fabriano, Matelica, Camerino, Ussita, Norcia, Arquata del Tronto, Accumoli, Amatrice and Campotosto.

SIGNAGE

What signage is present along the route?
The Cammino nelle Terre Mutate has its own signage; where possible, it follows already marked trails, especially within protected areas, such as CAI or hiking trails (Sentiero Italia, Grande Anello dei Sibillini, Cammino Naturale dei Parchi). It is, in any case, good practice to also use GPS tracks if needed.

SURFACE TYPE

70% dirt road/trail
30% asphalt

DIFFICULTIES

We are in areas where recovery is ongoing but slow and difficult; therefore, the availability of services, in terms of quantity, is quite limited. We recommend contacting accommodation facilities in advance.
Compared to other routes, the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate requires a reasonable level of physical preparation. In particular, for stages with greater elevation gain – over 1,000 m – it is advisable to carry warm clothing and windproof and waterproof gear in your backpack, even in summer.
If you plan to walk the route with a tent, We recommend taking technical equipment suitable for rain and cold conditions. In summer, temperature variations can be significant and sudden.

Are permits required?
For stages passing through hamlets in Arquata del Tronto and Accumoli, it may be necessary to request a permit authorising access through “red zones”, which over time may be modified, restricted, or removed. In addition, due to possible demolition works, debris removal, safety measures, or construction sites, the route may undergo temporary changes. It is advisable to check the accessibility status of the stages on camminoterremutate.org or to contact local representatives.

ASSOCIATION CONTACTS

“Cammino nelle Terre Mutate” Volunteer Association (ODV)
info@camminoterremutate.org
www.camminoterremutate.org

In each stage, there are local contact persons who support and welcome walkers. Names and contacts are available on the website:
https://camminoterremutate.org/il-percorso/

CREDENTIAL (CREDENZIALE)

The credential is issued to travellers on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback who intend to undertake, in full respect for places and people, an authentic experience of inner transformation or a slow and respectful journey through the areas affected by the earthquake.

The document must include the place and date of departure and arrival, as well as the stamps of the places visited and the accommodation facilities where the traveller has been hosted. At the moment, not all businesses have their own stamp, although many are already equipping themselves.

The Credential does not guarantee particular rights for the pilgrim, but has the purpose of:

• Ensuring the authenticity of the journey and identifying the traveller
• Allowing access to facilities that offer hospitality
• Committing the traveller to respectful behaviour towards others, the environment, and the experience of the journey itself
• Allowing the walker to request the Testimonium as certification of having contributed to the revival of the Terre Mutate

The credential of the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate is issued upon a voluntary donation to the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate ODV Association. The proceeds from donations will be used to reprint the credentials and to support the promotion of the route.

How to obtain the credential

Please do not wait until the last moment to request your credentials. The credential of the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate is obtained by following these instructions:

1)    The credential has no fixed price. It costs us to print and ship it. We only ask you to leave a donation that will help cover costs and support ongoing activities promoting regenerative tourism in the earthquake-affected areas (BPER Bank – IBAN IT73O0538713503000004404340, in the name of Cammino nelle Terre Mutate ODV).

2)   Request the credential, fill in the ONLINE FORM at the bottom of the page, and send us the bank transfer receipt to: credenziale@camminoterremutate.org

3)    Once the form is completed, the system will send you a confirmation message on the same page.

Tips for filling in the form: date format xx/xx/xxxx – make sure you check all boxes (otherwise the form will not be submitted, and missing fields will be highlighted in red). The system will confirm successful submission. If you are unable to complete the form, write to credenziale@camminoterremutate.org

After completing the form and making the donation, we will send you the credentials by post (if requested at least 15–20 days in advance), or you may collect them in:

• Fabriano: contact Jacopo Angelini – email: jaco.angelini@gmail.com, phone: +39 338 5984638
• Ussita: contact Ass. C.A.S.A – phone: +39 339 1575644
• Norcia: Emporio della Sibilla, Via Anicia 78, historic center of Norcia
• Amatrice: Bar del Rinascimento, Via Padre Giovanni Minozzi

N.B. The Credential can only be issued if you have completed the full request process (points 1, 2, and 3). For any questions, write to credenziale@camminoterremutate.org

Happy walking!

The Credential is issued to those who request it and commit to respecting its meaning and content; it can be obtained by filling out and submitting the form, which will be read by the staff of the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate.

We kindly ask you to fill in one form per person.
The response you receive may end up in your SPAM folder.
ALWAYS CHECK CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTING US.

Information pursuant to EU Regulation 679/2016 on data protection (GDPR): personal data is collected and stored by the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate Association solely for informational purposes regarding the association’s activities and will not be shared with third parties.

How to obtain the Testimonium of “Partigiano delle Terre Mutate”

The title of “Partigiano delle Terre Mutate” (or Testimonium) is granted to those who, by walking along the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate, carry out a highly meaningful civic act towards themselves and towards the people and places along the route. Those who decide to walk the Terre Mutate do so for reasons that may differ from those of other long-distance trails.

Those who travel through earthquake-affected lands do so also to make a concrete contribution to the economic and cultural recovery of these territories; to come into contact with the unfiltered reality of the affected communities and areas; to provide human and civic support as active and responsible citizens; and to understand a natural phenomenon and its effects, which may concern large parts of the national territory.

You become a “Partigiano delle Terre Mutate” and receive the title by choosing to travel on foot for at least 8 days/nights along the route, or by bicycle for 5 days/nights, even non-consecutively (therefore in two separate periods).

The starting point or finishing point of the journey is not binding. This formula differs from other pilgrimage routes with the aim of encouraging a concrete economic and human contribution to the cause of the Terre Mutate.

The Testimonium with the title of “Partigiano della Terra” can be collected in L’Aquila at the Polarville bookshop, Via Castello 49, tel. +39 0862 65657 – opening hours: 10:00–14:00 / 16:00–19:00 (if you arrive on Sunday, call in advance to arrange a pick-up point). Alternatively, it can be sent by post. Eco option: You can request the Testimonium in PDF format.

Whatever method you choose to obtain the “Partigiano della Terra” certificate, we kindly ask you to contribute to the development of this project with a voluntary donation. THANK YOU!