Civitella Alfedena

A tiny medieval village on the edge of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Civitella Alfedena is the best base for spotting wolves, bears and chamois. Its wolf museum is unique in Europe.

Things to do

• Visit the Wolf Museum (Area Faunistica del Lupo) — A living enclosure where you can observe wolves at close range from a walkway.
• Hike in the national park — Trails from the village lead through old-growth beech forests and glacial valleys.
• Kayak on Lago di Barrea — A serene artificial lake just below the village with boat rentals and peaceful scenery.
• Wildlife dawn walk with a guide — Guided early-morning tours greatly increase chances of spotting bears and chamois.
• Walk the medieval village walls — The small fortified historic center has lovely stone lanes and a small tower.

Food to try

• Pasta e fagioli — A thick bean and pasta soup cooked with local lard and wild herbs, deeply warming.
• Grilled wild boar — Cinghiale prepared simply on the grill, served in the village's few rustic trattorie.
• Trout from mountain streams — Locally farmed trout pan-fried with butter and mountain thyme.
• Fiadone — A traditional ricotta and egg tart flavored with lemon, eaten at Easter and beyond.

Local customs & good to know

• Stay quiet near wildlife areas — Noise disturbs the animals; park rangers ask visitors to keep voices low on trails.
• Book accommodation early — The village is tiny with very few rooms; summer and autumn fill up months ahead.
• The wolf is revered here — Conservation of the Apennine wolf is a point of deep local pride; show respect for the cause.