Central Apennines

The mountains of central Abruzzo surround the basin of L'Aquila and the valley of the Aterno. Ridges of the Gran Sasso and neighbouring ranges rise above the basin, separating it from the Adriatic slopes and the valleys farther west. High pastures and rocky summits contrast with the settled low ground, where roads follow the river and cross the mountains through passes. Winter snow gives the heights a different rhythm from the sheltered basin below.