Scanno: Lake, Culture and Nature in the Valle del Sagittario

Scanno combines Lago di Scanno, a distinctive natural setting and a historically shaped townscape. For planning your trip, this results in three clear focal points: you can consider the lake as the landscape highlight, view trails and trekking as an activity theme, and take the historic fabric in the town and its immediate surroundings into account. In addition, there is a journey that involves taking the train to Sulmona and then continuing by bus. If you are looking for accommodation in Scanno, this breakdown helps you determine your preferred focus in advance without presupposing the characteristics of individual properties.

Landscape: Lago di Scanno is the central point of orientation for the natural surroundings of Scanno.

Viewpoint: The lake has a distinctive shape that can be seen from a dedicated viewpoint accessible by its own route.

Natural setting: Scanno lies in the Valle del Sagittario within the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo.

Culture: Medieval origins, carved portals and Baroque balconies shape the historical perspective.

Activities: The lake and the trail network offer various opportunities for water activities and trekking.

Surroundings: PalazzoSerafini and Palazzo Mosca are located in the immediate surroundings of Scanno.

Getting there: Rail travellers get off in Sulmona and continue by bus.

Lago di Scanno and the landscape

Lago di Scanno was formed in prehistoric times when a landslide from the Genzana massif dammed the Tasso River.

Its heart-shaped outline can be seen from a viewpoint reached via the Sentiero del Cuore.

Scanno lies amid the greenery of the Valle del Sagittario within the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo. Together with the lake, this creates a natural theme that clearly differs from the historic townscape.

Historic Scanno

The historic centre of Scanno has medieval origins. Its architectural heritage includes elaborately carved portals and Baroque balconies.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Annunziata is also known as Madonna del Lago and was founded in 1702 on the southern shore of Lago di Scanno.

A Roman inscription kept in the Museo della Lana is considered evidence that Scanno was already inhabited in Roman times.

Activities and immediate surroundings

Canoes can be rented at Lago di Scanno.

Scanno has a varied trail network suitable for trekking at all experience levels.

PalazzoSerafini is located in the immediate surroundings of Scanno. Palazzo Mosca is also located in the immediate surroundings of Scanno.

Getting there

Scanno has no railway station. Rail travellers get off in Sulmona and then take a bus to Scanno.

More destinations for planning your trip

For further trip planning, you can also consider Ateleta, Cappadocia, Casentino, Meta, Celano, Fontecchio, Pescocostanzo and Ovindoli.

FAQ

Can canoes be rented at Lago di Scanno?

Yes.

What experience levels is the trail network suitable for?

Scanno’s varied trail network is suitable for trekking at all experience levels.

Where are PalazzoSerafini and Palazzo Mosca located?

Palazzo Mosca is also located in the immediate surroundings of Scanno.

Is there a railway station in Scanno?

No.

What does the Roman inscription in the Museo della Lana attest to?

The Roman inscription kept in the Museo della Lana is considered evidence that Scanno was already inhabited in Roman times.

To the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.