Emissario Trekking

The Emissario Trekking in Capistrello

The Emissario Trekking is an annual hiking event held in Capistrello, a town in the Marsica area of the L'Aquila province, in the heart of Abruzzo. Created by the Amici dell'Emissario OdV Association, the event invites walkers and history enthusiasts to follow the surface path of one of antiquity's most extraordinary hydraulic engineering feats: the Claudian Emissary.

A walk through history

In 52 AD, Emperor Claudius ordered the excavation of a tunnel over six kilometers long to divert the waters of Lake Fucino into the Liri River. This colossal project was later resumed in the 19th century by Prince Alessandro Torlonia, whose final drainage of the lake reclaimed approximately 16,000 hectares of fertile land. The trek allows participants to discover the traces of this endeavor across the landscape, including tunnels, ventilation shafts, and drainage channels that dot the Marsican countryside.

The route

The itinerary covers approximately 11 kilometers with an elevation gain of 300 meters and is classified as an E-level (hiking) trail. The route touches on several key sites of the project:

• the Ferraro drainage tunnel, with a guided tour of the tunnel's first access point;
• the scenic ascent of Monte Salviano, overlooking the Fucino plain;
• a picnic stop near Pozzo Gaetano;
• the final trail leading to the outlet on the Liri River, where the waters once returned to the surface.

A community event

The Emissario Trekking is more than just a sports excursion: it is an act of collective memory through which the community of Capistrello celebrates its historical and environmental heritage. The initiative is part of a calendar of events curated by the Amici dell'Emissario, which includes social walks, conferences, and cultural evenings dedicated to the town's identity and the history of local stonemasons.

Practical information

The meeting point is in Piazza del Municipio in Capistrello, with a bus transfer to the starting area near Avezzano. Participation is limited, and booking is mandatory; the fee includes shuttle service and medical assistance along the route. Hiking clothing, trekking shoes, and sufficient water are recommended.