A path born from solidarity
The Cammino nelle Terre Mutate is an itinerary of over 250 kilometers that crosses Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo, following the thread of the communities affected by the earthquakes in the Apennines. Each stage tells of a territory that has been able to resist, keeping traditions, relationships and landscapes alive.
The idea took shape in 2012 with the Long March for L’Aquila, promoted by Movimento Tellurico, Federtrek and APE Roma. A small group of people crossed the Apennines to draw attention to the halted reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake and the abandonment of internal areas. After the earthquakes of 2016 and 2017, the project turned into a permanent journey.
Since 2017 the route has grown thanks to the work of volunteers, local associations and inhabitants. In 2024 the voluntary association Cammino nelle Terre Mutate was born, which brings together representatives of all the areas crossed and carries on the solidarity legacy of the project.
View this post on Instagram
A journey that supports communities
Walking the Path in the Mutated Lands also means meeting the people who chose to stay or return after the earthquake. Along the way we discover stories of rebirth, such as those of those who started new agricultural activities or those who promoted social transport services to combat the isolation of the most affected hamlets. The journey shows that reconstruction does not only concern buildings and infrastructures, but above all communities: bringing back services, creating opportunities and allowing people to continue living in these territories. Each stage thus becomes an opportunity to get to know an Apennines which, almost ten years after the 2016 earthquake, continues to rebuild its future.
The route
©I walk in changed lands
Among paths, parks and ancient streets
The Camino is 70% on paths and dirt roads and the remaining 30% on asphalt. Where possible it follows existing routes, such as the Sentiero Italia, the Grande Anello dei Sibillini, the Cammino Naturale dei Parchi and numerous CAI paths. Dedicated signs accompany hikers, but it is advisable to also use GPS tracks, here you can find the digital map.
From the Marche to the Sibillini
The first two stages lead from Fabriano to Camerino, crossing woods, cultivated hills, vineyards and small villages in the Marche hinterland. The panorama gradually changes until it opens onto the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains.
The heart of the Sibillini Park
From Camerino the route reaches Fiastra and its lake, then crosses one of the most spectacular sections of the entire journey. Panoramic ridges, high pastures, the Macereto Sanctuary and the Ussita valley accompany the walker up to Campi di Norcia.
Norcia and Castelluccio
A short stop takes you to Norcia, the city of San Benedetto. From here begins one of the most challenging climbs of the itinerary, rewarded by the arrival at Pian Grande di Castelluccio, with Monte Vettore in the background and, between May and June, the famous flowering of lentils.
The countries symbolizing the earthquake
From Castelluccio the route reaches Arquata del Tronto, then Accumoli and Amatrice, the places most affected by the 2016 earthquake. The route passes through villages still affected by reconstruction and allows you to closely understand the recent history of these communities.
Towards the Gran Sasso
The last stages lead through Campotosto, Mascioni and Collebrincioni. Ancient pastoral paths, Lake Campotosto, plateaus and views of the Gran Sasso accompany the last kilometers of the journey.
The arrival in L’Aquila
The last day is a pleasant descent towards the historic center of L’Aquila, passing through the San Giuliano district and the Sanctuary of the Madonna Fore. It is the arrival point of an itinerary that tells the story of the strength of a territory and the people who live there.
Practical information
Permits and traffic
In the stages that cross Arquata del Tronto and Accumoli, authorizations may be requested to pass through some areas still affected by reconstruction works. Before departure it is advisable to check for any updates on the official website of the Camino.
Credential and walk in tent
The credential is issued by the Cammino nelle Terre Mutate Association in exchange for a voluntary donation. It is used to collect stamps along the route and contributes to supporting the project. On the official website there is also a section dedicated to those who wish to undertake the journey with a tent, with useful information on organizing the itinerary.
General information
Along the route there may be some logistical difficulties and a limited number of beds, especially in high season. For this reason it is advisable to book accommodation facilities well in advance and face the journey with a spirit of adaptation and respect towards the local communities.
For equipment, all you need is a trekking backpack, suitable boots, technical clothing, waterproof jacket, water bottle, telescopic poles and a small first aid kit. It is advisable to also have a torch, sunscreen and personal hygiene items.
Those who wish to support the project can purchase the official merchandising, the proceeds of which contribute to the promotion and maintenance of the Camino.
