Marsica Frassati Trail - Hearts on the Peaks

A journey through the Marsica peaks

The Marsica Frassati Trail is an annual event held every last Saturday of June in Collelongo, a small town in the province of L'Aquila nestled within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The initiative, promoted by the Diocese of Avezzano together with the Catholic Action of Marsi, AGESCI, CAI Vallelonga Coppo dell'Orso, and the Municipality of Collelongo, offers a day that weaves together spirituality, hiking, and friendship amidst the woods and meadows of the Marsica region.

The route and Pier Giorgio Frassati

The trail is dedicated to Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man from Turin with a passion for the mountains, a witness to the Gospel, and a friend to the poor, known as the "saint of the peaks." The route starts at the Madonna a Monte Church and winds for just over four kilometers, climbing from about 970 meters to the 1440 meters of the Prati di Sant'Elia, crossing beech forests, clearings, and undergrowth. It is an accessible route, also suitable for families, which becomes a metaphor for life and faith: the effort of the climb, the sharing along the path, and the goal reached together.

A day of faith and nature

The morning begins with a gathering at the Madonna a Monte Church, a moment of prayer, and the blessing of the Bishop of Avezzano. After setting off, participants reach the Sant'Elia spring, where a solemn Holy Mass is celebrated outdoors around noon. This is followed by a convivial lunch, often enriched by pasta prepared by the volunteers of the Collelongo Pro Loco, before returning to the village in the afternoon.

An event for the Marsica community

The Marsica Frassati Trail involves sections of the Abruzzo CAI, AGESCI scout groups, young people from MSAC and Catholic Action, along with the inhabitants of Collelongo and walkers from all over the region. More than just a hike, it is an opportunity for encounter and for rediscovering the deep bond between the communities of the Marsica region and their mountains, in one of the most precious natural areas of Abruzzo.