Pescasseroli Off The Beaten Path Tips by sandysmith

Up to the Castel Mancino

In this section I'd like to take you on a virtual journey up to the evocative ruins of Castel Mancino with their great views over Pescasseroli.....

To reach the ruins stand as if coming out of the town hall - the Municipio - in the town centre turn left and half left again towards the Pensione al Castello. Take the road between the pensione and the Ufficio del Zona. The old town centre is on your right as you walk up the road. Turn right at a T-junction - it shoud be signed for the Castel anyway. - and then onto the Via Castel - very appropriate - on your left.

Castel pathway I

Continue on the Via Castello past a hairpin bend - you will see stations of the cross along the way. The road ends shortly at the cemetry. At the fifth station you will see a sentiero natura signpost leading into the trees which is our path.

Monte Tranquillo Sanctuary

Another longish hike is to the Santuario (chapel) di Monte Tranquillo - worth it for the views.
For more details of this hike and to see the views from these steps check out the sports tip section!

The View II

..but most of all I liked the view of the town and all the rooftops, seeing how it was laid out and with the River Sangro trickling through.

The view I

Its worth the hike up - just look at the view of the National Park around - in the distance the ski-lift hill can be seen at the far end of the town.

Castel Mancino

This castel with its commanding position and views over Pescasseroli was once a pre-Roman fortified township.

Castel pathway III

The pathway up to the castle is a little bit steeper and stonier towards the top but it only takes about 40 - 50 minutes in total and then you have great views over the town amidst the castle ruins.

Castel pathway II

The path zig-zags up fairly easily through the trees. Parts of the ruins can be passed at several places.