Rocca di Cambio

Sitting at 1,434 metres above sea level, Rocca di Cambio is a charming Abruzzo village nestled within the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park and is recognised as the highest municipality in the Apennines. Due to its elevated position, Rocca di Cambio is a highly sought-after tourist destination, both in winter for its excellent ski resort and in summer for its outstanding hiking opportunities amidst unspoilt countryside.

This small town was founded by the Lombards around the 9th century as a fortress and remained for centuries a modest settlement whose economy was based on agriculture and pastoralism. It was only in the 1970s that Rocca di Cambio, thanks to the presence of Campo Felice, began to develop as a tourist destination primarily centred on winter sports. Since then, the town has grown steadily in popularity and, with excellent facilities and amenities, has become a popular summer destination as well.

The town’s location makes it an ideal destination not only during the winter season when you can ski at the Campo Felice ski area but also throughout the rest of the year when you can enjoy outdoor activities and hiking.

Skiing at Rocca di Cambio

Rocca di Cambio is home to the Campo Felice ski resort, part of the Campo Felice ski area, which is considered one of the most renowned winter destinations in central Italy. Campo Felice is not only easily accessible from Rome but also offers a variety of winter sports. The resort boasts nearly 40 km of slopes for all levels and abilities, cross-country ski trails, a snowpark and a “Fun Kids Area” for children.

The resort also features state-of-the-art ski lifts and an advanced snow-making system. Campo Felice is part of the Tre Nevi ski circuit alongside Ovindoli-Monte Magnola and Campo Imperatore.

Which ski pass to choose

Campo Felice ski resort offers various types of ski passes, including daily passes, multi-day passes and seasonal passes. You can purchase a ski pass from the ticket offices, authorised retailers or online. Alternatively, you can also top up your My Campo Felice KEY card online.

For enthusiasts, it’s possible to buy the “Parks Ski Pass” seasonal ticket, which allows you to ski at Campo Felice, Ovindoli – Monte Magnola and Gran Sasso d’Italia, or the “Two Mountains Ski Pass” for skiing at Campo Felice and Gran Sasso d’Italia.

What to do in summer at Rocca di Cambio

Located within the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, during the summer season Rocca di Cambio is the perfect spot to escape the city heat and plan outdoor activities and excursions. Numerous trails and itineraries of varying difficulty levels can be tackled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, offering truly breathtaking views.

The plateau is dotted with several peaks including Monte Rotondo, Monte Cagno, Monte Cefalone and Monte Ocre, which allow experienced hikers to undertake wonderful excursions. Between Rocca di Cambio and Ovindoli, there is also a beautiful cycle path stretching approximately 35 km, which develops mainly on flat terrain. This route winds across the Altopiano delle Rocche at an altitude of 1,350–1,400 metres and is considered central Italy’s highest cycle path.

The village of Rocca di Cambio

The small village of Rocca di Cambio is a truly characterful and evocative place that deserves to be explored on foot to fully appreciate its charm and heritage.

In the uppermost part of the village, around the 9th century, the Lombards built a fortress for defensive purposes, which was later enlarged during Norman rule. Subsequently, the castle was severely damaged by strong earthquakes and only a tower remained standing, which was used until the early 20th century to control the valley. Today you can admire the ruins of the bastion, which has a square base, and on its summit stands a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Just next to the tower stands the Church and Collegiate of San Pietro. The religious building dates from the 10th century but has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. Externally, the church features a simple pitched roof façade, while inside it has an irregular layout with a single nave and nine altars.

Finally, just outside the village centre is Santa Lucia Abbey, which was built in the 11th century. Unfortunately, an earthquake that struck the area in the early 18th century destroyed part of the complex, which was later reconstructed. The church now has a pitched roof façade with a Romanesque portal and a basilica floor plan with three naves. Inside, you can admire an altar housing a statue of the saint and on the walls a rich cycle of 14th-century frescoes.

Where to stay in Rocca di Cambio

The Campo Felice ski resort falls within Rocca di Cambio’s territory, making it an excellent base for accommodation, especially during the winter season. Being a small village, accommodation options are limited, so it’s advisable to book your stay well in advance. Close to Rocca di Cambio are the small villages of Lucoli and Rocca di Mezzo, which also fall within the Campo Felice area and are therefore excellent places to stay.

Recommended hotels in Rocca di Cambio

How to reach Rocca di Cambio

Rocca di Cambio can be reached by car from the main cities in central Italy. For those coming from Rome, take the A24 motorway towards L’Aquila until the Tornimparte/Campo Felice exit, then follow the S.S. 696. From L’Aquila, first take the State Road 17 and then State Road 5bis. If you’re coming from Naples, first take the A1 to Cassino service station and then the SR509 until it connects with the A24, which you should follow until the Tornimparte junction.

The nearest airport is Pescara Airport, approximately 120 km away, connected to the town via the A25 motorway. For those preferring public transport, Rocca di Cambio is served by bus services operated by TUA to various Abruzzo towns including L’Aquila and Avezzano, whilst connections to Rome are provided by GoGoBus.