The Capannelle Pass at an altitude of 1300 meters

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The Capannelle Pass sits at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level in the Province of L'Aquila in Italy's Abruzzo Region. The Province of L'Aquila ( Provincia dell'Aquila) is the largest most mountainous and least densely populated province of the Abruzzo region of It is located on the Italian State Highway 80 which passes near the Gran Sasso in the Apennines. Gran Sasso d'Italia is a mountain located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy.

This famous pass probably takes its name from the small pastoral huts ("capannelle") which dot the landscape. They were used in times past by the local sheppards during the transumanza for protection from the elements, especially the rain and snow showers which can unexpectedly arise in the area. See also Transhumance The transumanza is the Italian term for Transhumance, the traditional twice yearly migration of sheep and cows

The Capannelle Pass is an important transportation point linking the Province of Teramo with the Province of L'Aquila. The Province of Teramo is located in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The Province of L'Aquila ( Provincia dell'Aquila) is the largest most mountainous and least densely populated province of the Abruzzo region of The area is well known for hosting the Grand Highway of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, a touristic biway running through the heart of the national park between Montorio al Vomano ad Amiternum. The Grand Highway of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is located in the Abruzzo Region of Italy. Montorio al Vomano is a town and commune in the Province of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy. Amiternum, a traditional cradle of the Sabines is an ancient Sabine Prefecture in the Abruzzo region of modern Italy at 9 km from L'Aquila

Brigands

Although covered with snow in the winter and barely accessible at other times of the year, the Capanelle Pass in days past served as the only practical way for to go from one side of the Gran Sasso to the other. Gran Sasso d'Italia is a mountain located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. The pass became a favorite place for local brigands to attack hapless groups of travelers. Notorious for his bloody deeds was the infamous Giuseppe Palombieri. Palombieri was finally captured by Chiaffredo Bergia, a carabiniere, that is, member of the Italian national police force, who had gained bragging rights for having put another brigand, Andrea Andreani, behind bars. The Carabinieri (Italian for Carabiniers are the national-level Gendarmerie of Italy who also perform Military police duties During the struggle to subdue Palombiere which took place near the Italian village of Campotosto shots were fired and Bergia was wounded. Campotosto is a Comune and Town in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Bergia's persistence was rewarded, however, and he was eventually able to prevail over his erstwhile rival. Palombiere was found to be carrying a document which he had written imploring his co-conspirators to carry out a vendetta aimed at the residents and mayor of nearby Fano Adriano. Fano Adriano is a town and Comune in Teramo province in the Abruzzo region of eastern Italy. In recognition of his bravery, Bergia was awarded a silver medal and promoted to the rank of brigadier.

Visit by Bicycle

The Capannelle Pass features gentle slopes in the direction of Teramo to the west and more difficult climbs in the direction of L'Aquila to the west. Teramo ( Latin: Interamnia Praetutiana, Interamnia or more rarely Interamnium and Interamna) is a city in the central Italian L'Aquila is a city and Comune of central Italy. Laid out within medieval walls on a hill in the wide valley of the Aterno river and surrounded The Giro d'Italia has been staged in this area on several occasions. The Giro d'Italia ( Tour of Italy) also simply known as The Giro, is a long distance Road bicycle racing Stage race for professional Nearby destinations include Lake Campotosto and Campo Imperatore. Lake Campotosto (Italian Lago di Campotosto) is a man-made Lake in the Abruzzo, Italy. Campo Imperatore is a mountain Grassland formed by a high basin shaped Plateau located in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of

Associated Links

• Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park
• Grand Highway of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

Coordinates: 42°27′N 13°21′E / 42.45, 13.35