Rocca di Mezzo
Exploring Rocca di Mezzo
Hello friends! Today I will talk about Rocca di Mezzo, a municipality in Abruzzo located in the province of L'Aquila. With just over 2000 inhabitants, this place is a small gem located in the heart of the Altopiano delle Rocche. But let's not be fooled by the small size of this town because there is actually a lot to discover.
Physical geography
Territory
Rocca di Mezzo extends over an area of about 90 km², between the crests of Monte Sirente and Monte Velino. The landscape is nothing short of spectacular, with differences in altitude ranging from 925 to 2243 meters of Punta Trento. Even I, when I arrived here, immediately felt overwhelmed by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Then I started walking along the paths that wind along the mountains and I realized that the suggestions of the municipal territory are even stronger. Don't you want to come and discover them with me?
Geology
Speaking of geology, the plateau that encloses the municipal territory is characterized by karst phenomena of great interest. Here we can find sinkholes, swallow holes, and caves that are a true wonder of nature. A curiosity about it is that the Terranera swallow hole, which many confuse with the Pozzo Caldaio lake, is actually a set of several swallow holes and sinkholes that extend over a vast area of the plain, located between Terranera and Rocca di Cambio. Even in the plain between Rocca di Mezzo and the hamlet of Rovere, we can find further swallow holes and even larger sinkholes. The incredible thing is that the water derived from rainfall and springs does not flow superficially, but instead converges towards the swallow holes to continue its underground course.
Hydrography
As far as water is concerned, every drop of rain or spring that is located in Rocca di Mezzo will inevitably converge towards the swallow holes of the Altopiano delle Rocche. This is due to the geological peculiarity of the place and to the fact that the municipal territory is located at a watershed point between the two Apennine slopes. The southern part of the municipality collects the water that flows towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the northern one flows towards the Adriatic Sea. Simple and at the same time fascinating, isn't it?
Winter sports tourism center
For those who love winter sports, Rocca di Mezzo is the ideal place. This tourism center offers several attractions for snow lovers. In particular, the Campo Felice and Ovindoli ski resorts offer cross-country skiing, ski touring, and alpine skiing. The view is incredible and, I assure you, the sensation of skiing surrounded by mountains is priceless. Even in summer, Rocca di Mezzo is a magnificent climatic station and it is possible to do hikes in the mountains with expert guides.
Conclusion
And so, friends, after talking about the physical geography and the winter sports tourism center of Rocca di Mezzo, I can finally conclude this article. I hope I have conveyed my enthusiasm for this Abruzzo location that, albeit small, has a lot to offer. The surrounding nature is nothing short of spectacular and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. In short, a perfect place for a getaway from daily routine. I recommend you visit Rocca di Mezzo at least once in your life. You won't regret it!
