STAGE 3: Fiastra – Monastery (9 km)

The route runs along the ridge that descends from Punta di Ragnolo and Pizzo Chioggia to the Fiastrone Valley. Along the first stretch you are accompanied by the spectacular view of Lake Fiastra, while further on you can see the deeper reaches of the Fiastrone Valley, with gorges carved by the river into the massive limestone and crags of red flake.

Along the way we cross some pastures flanked by forest that, in the warmer and drier areas, gives way to ilex. There are many testimonies to the ancient presence of man in this valley: the ruins of Col di Pietra (13th cent.), theAbbey of San Salvatore a Monastero (11th cent.) and the Grotta dei Frati, set high above the gorges. Along the way we encounter one of the rare ilex groves in the Sibillini Mountains, and as we skirt the forest, we get striking glimpses of an imposing crag of red flake.

Length: 9 km
Height difference in ascent: 518 m
Downhill elevation gain: 528 m
Highest point: 1026 m
Lowest point: 637 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Fiastra
Starting location: Fiastra
Municipality of arrival: Cessapalombo
Place of arrival: Monastery

Recommended period: all year round

The Great Sibillini Ring is a hiking route of about 124 km that encompasses the entire mountain range found in the Umbria-Marche Apennines.

Divided into 9 stages, it is fully signposted and allows you to get to know, in addition to the multiplicity of landscapes and natural beauty, part of the priceless historical and cultural heritage that this territory preserves.

The Great Sibillini Ring is among the most beautiful routes incentral Italy. Through the nine stages it is possible to circumnavigate the territory of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, visiting the history of its small villages and the wilderness of its mountains. The tour encompasses the Park in a clockwise direction, starting from the location of Visso and returning to it after passing through some characteristic places, such as the ancient route of the Kingdom of Naples, the Sanctuary of Macereto, the town of Fiastra and the lake of the same name, the Abbey of San Salvatore, the Argenta Valleys Museum, the Abbey of St. Vincent and Anastasius, Mount Carrier and more.

On the way you can enjoy the Apennine landscape and spot the wildlife that inhabits the Park. The excellent organization of the park authority, as well as the great availability of information regarding the routes, allows for dynamic organization of the tour, enabling you to change its length according to your availability of time and energy.