The Cammino della Pace is a long pilgrimage on foot on the steps of History of three Italian regions (Abruzzo, Molise and Apulia) and is a candidate to be the first intercultural and interreligious walk in the world.
Starting from Aquila, it arrives at Monte Sant’Angelo, on the Gargano promontory, in 35 stages, after traveling more than 520 km. It takes its start from the basilica of St. Maria di Collemaggio and following in the footsteps of shepherds along the sheep-track, crossing five provinces and dozens of towns, reaches the first shrine of Christianity: the church of St. Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo.
The Path presents no special risks and is suitable for everyone. It is fully signposted, but you should not expect to find signage at every intersection or after every curve. The maintenance and upkeep of signage is entrusted to the Association’s volunteers, who often find themselves having to restore previously marked stretches because stickers or nameplates have been removed or damaged. However, the GPX tracks, maps on the website and in the guidebook make it easy to follow the route.
The Cammino has tried to retrace the sheep-tracks and ancient routes on paths, dirt tracks and cart tracks, but where this has not been possible, paved roads have had to be used, but only in rare cases are they heavily trafficked. Caution is always recommended.
All along the route, and not only in the areas within the parks, encounters with wildlife are possible, which thanks to natural reforestation, especially in Abruzzo, has made it all the way to the coasts. Remaining calm, standing firm and avoiding aggressive attitudes, is the best way to enjoy the meeting safely.
Variant Stages 9, 10 and 11 traverse one of the wildest and most spectacular areas of the Maiella Park; there are strenuous but extraordinarily fascinating trails along which there is the possibility of incurring the vagaries of the weather, encountering wildlife and grazing flocks.
Along Stage 11v there are a couple of short “aerial” passages without protection, which should be approached with caution, as well as access to the hermitage of San Giovanni all’Orfento.
