Capistrello: Waterfall, Rock and Hiking Trails

Capistrello combines impressive traces of historic hydraulic engineering with rocky landscapes and hiking trails. Those planning a trip with a variety of discoveries will find unusual features here: the outlet of the underground Emissario di Claudio canal, a waterfall in the river park, a fresco embedded in the rock and the Cammino Mariano dei Marsi, which leads into the historic centre. This makes it possible to choose a holiday apartment according to your own interests, without limiting the trip to a single attraction.

Emissario di Claudio and special places by the water

The outlet of the Emissario di Claudio stands out for its precisely described construction. It consists of a round arch made of radial wedge stones set on masonry of local limestone in opus reticulatum. Above it is an artificially shaped rock face. For visitors interested in history, architecture and the design of ancient structures, this site offers a tangible connection to Capistrello’s past.

La cascata is located in Capistrello’s river park. The waterfall is approximately 12 metres high and creates a striking feature in the landscape. At Madonna della Cascata, there is also a fresco of the Madonna and Child embedded in the rock face. The two attractions appeal to different interests: here, you can combine nature observation with a cultural stop, while the Emissario provides the historical focus.

Rocky landscapes and trails for different day plans

The Grotta delle Concarelle is another of Capistrello’s distinctive natural features. It is a small cave that formed from a fossilised spring outlet. Such smaller, self-contained destinations can enrich a trip if you would like to discover geological features alongside well-known waypoints. The description of the cave also makes clear that it should be understood as a specialised place of discovery rather than a large-scale site.

For hiking enthusiasts, Madonna del Monte offers another highlight. Madonna del Monte is one of Capistrello’s patron saints. The small church stands on the ridge of Monte Aurunzo and can be reached on foot from Rucetto in about an hour. It is used for services only in May. When planning your day, you should consider these details separately: the route from Rucetto is a specific way to reach the site on foot, while its use for services is limited to May.

The Cammino Mariano dei Marsi leads into the historic centre of Capistrello. After the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate di Padova, it joins the Emissario Trail, the European long-distance hiking trail E1 and CAI Trail No. 401 Civitella Roveto–Capistrello. This allows you to focus your stay more strongly on hiking or on combining trails with local history.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to include other places besides Capistrello, you can continue your search in Barrea, Prezza, Introdacqua, Castel Di Sangro, Bagno, Capestrano, L’Aquila and Castel Del Monte.

Back to the main travel overview: L-Aquila.