Arquata del Tronto

Gateway to Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso

West of Ascoli Piceno along the Via Salaria (SS4) it is worth the winding drive to visit Arquata del Tronto. This town sits on a hill overlooking the Fiume Tronto valley and above the town is the Rocca del Tronto, or castle. This valley divides the mountain ranges that make up the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini to the north and Parco Nazionale dei Gran Sasso to the south. A fresh coating of snow on these mountains in the winter makes them stand out sharply against the dark blue sky.

Arquata del Tronto and its rocca are both worth a visit in their own right offering a charming medieval town and castle. The castle was reportedly built by a duke who used it as a safe location for keeping his assorted mistresses, though proof of this use is not to be found. Once you drive through the narrow town and reach the castle you are rewarded with some great views of the adjoining parks.

A drive up into the Parco Sibillini and you will quickly be above the tree line and have unlimited views to the south and east, the Sibillini blocking your view north. This is a nature lover’s haven in both summer and winter months and home to some unique fauna and flora.

When you drive back, go past Arquata del Tronto in search of the town of Spelonga which sits on the south side of the Fiume Tronto valley, it will provide clear views to the north. This winding road into the Parco Gran Sasso offers some great views of Arquata del Tronto and the rocca with the mountains behind, although Spelonga itself may be a bit of a disappointment.

There are limited services available in Arquata del Tronto though in the vicinity there are several restaurants, hotels, bars, a gas station and a few shops. Acquasanta Terme and Ascoli Piceno are a short drive away though that portion of the SS4 is very windy. From Ascoli Piceno you have easy access to the autostrada A14 along the coast and east of Arquata del Tronto via the SS4 you can access the GRA at Rome in about two hours.