Farindola

A mountain tourist destination

Welcome! Today I will talk to you about Rigopiano, a mountain tourist destination located in the municipality of Farindola, in Abruzzo. This small fraction is located southeast of the Gran Sasso d'Italia and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding beech woods.

Physical geography

Rigopiano is located on a small plateau at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level and is crossed by two roads: the Vado di Sole road and the provincial road 37 of Castelli. Also passes around a section of the great Ippovia del Gran Sasso. This enchanting place is surrounded by woods and offers an unforgettable experience to anyone who loves nature.

Rigopiano: a mountain pearl in Abruzzo.

History

Rigopiano has a very ancient history. In fact, stone huts dating back to the Neolithic era were found on the site. The old village was founded in the 11th century by the Normans and in the 16th century it passed into the ownership of the Farnese family.

The 2017 avalanche

During a heavy snowfall on January 18, 2017, the Hotel Rigopiano, a former alpine refuge and the only hotel in the fraction, was hit by an avalanche of snow and debris coming from a ridge line of Monte Siella. The tragedy left an indelible mark on the community. Of the 40 people present, 29 died and only 11 survived. The rescue operation arrived only at dawn the next day due to the interrupted communication channels and the poor visibility for helicopter movements.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Rigopiano is a wonderful place, rich in history and natural beauty. The tragedy of 2017 deeply marked the community, but everyone is doing their best to preserve and repair the beauty of this place. We hope you can visit Rigopiano and discover its beauty and history for yourself!

Andrea Giordano
Updated Friday, Nov 4, 2022