Gruppo: Massiccio del Gran Sasso

The Centennial Path with Ferrata Famigliari is one of the most challenging and panoramic itineraries of the Massif of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. A journey of 35 km and about 13 hours total that touches the Monte Brancastello (2385 m) and the Torri di Casanova through the short but technical Ferrata Famigliari. For the length and the many unprotected and exposed traits it is ideal to distribute it on two days.

We're leaving SS117 direction Campo Imperatore: take a dirt to the left bend towards a’ picnic area (parking). Follow the path towards the ridge, reaching the Vado of Corno after about 30 minutes. At the crossroads you ignore the left for Monte Aquila and take the right onto the road signs 235 (yellow-red bottles). You climb to the Monte Brancastello (2385 m) in about 2 hours, ignoring the junction for the Pizzo San Gabriele. Continue towards the Torri di Casanova.

L’ Ferrata Famigliari attack is at a height of 2280 m, reached in about 2 hours and 45 minutes from departure. The ferrata is short but technical: metal ladder followed by equipped sections that lead to the Torre di Casanova (2365 m) in about 20 minutes from the ’ attack (about 3 hours total). From the saddle between the towers a sign signals the Sentiero of the Centenario: on the left the sharp crest (not to follow), on the right the yellowish boils of the Centenary that descend. The long return presents many unprotected stretches and exposed which require high mountain experience.

Hard difficulty. The ferrata itself is short-lived (about 1 hour and 15 minutes), but the total route — 35 km, 13 hours, 759 m of altitude uphill and 80 m downhill for the single ferrata — commits to the length, exposure of the unequipped sections and the altitude above 2500 m.

The descent follows the yellowish boils of the Centenary Trail in the east direction, returning to the starting parking lot. The total route is about 35 km and requires approximately 13 hours overall — plan carefully and preferably break in two days.