Overview
Between the Sangro Valley and the Lupari Mountains, in the province of Chieti, a small diamond shines on a sheer rock: it is Borrello, less than twenty kilometres far from Molise.
Seize the moment and do not miss its visit, which will give you one or more days of serenity and beauty, under the banner of the truest nature
The town, of ancient origins, was rebuilt after the last world war and has some religious monuments worth visiting, such as the Mother Church, the oldest, dedicated to St. Egidio Abate, which has been rebuilt several times and has a painting attributed to the school of Luca Giordano.
To be experienced, photographed and kept in the heart are the waterfalls Cascate del Verde. This regional nature reserve has the same name of the waterfalls and it is managed by WWF (since 2016 also Geo site, for its geological value). It covers about 287 hectares: placed at an altitude of about 800 metres, they are the second highest in Italy and among the highest in Europe. A valuable environmental asset, which with three consecutive jumps of about 200 metres, before flowing into the Sangro River below, it is considered of great scientific importance both for its location and microclimate.
Be captivated by their liquid, elusive beauty, flowing through a wide canyon whose rocky walls, among limestone towers and pinnacles, are covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation. You can admire it through three easy-to-travel paths that bring you face to face with the "leaping" water.
Take a look around: you are surrounded by an incredible natural vitality that, as experts say, allows Mediterranean species to coexist with mountain species, thanks to a special climate.
And, above all, walk in silence because you may spot, although encounters are more unique than rare, mammals such as skunks and wild cats.
Easier, on the other hand, to intercept the flight of birds of prey, such as buzzards, sparrow hawks, peregrine falcons, and the birds that make a stop here on their migratory route: thanks to specific sites equipped for birdwatching, practicable in the reserve throughout the year, you can enjoy all the crowded skies of that area.
If you are passionate about this activity, remember that the Reserve's operators organize a day every summer dedicated to bird watching, in collaboration with WWF and experts in the field: a golden opportunity to receive advice and "tips" in order to better capture, with your eyes, the traveling birds and their evolutions.
Other nature and hiking trails allow you to explore the surrounding area, such as the approximately two-hour one that reaches the town of Rosello, stopping at the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie and at the Abetina di Rosello Regional Nature Reserve. This is a monumental relict forest, stretching between the provinces of Chieti and Isernia, with giant white spruce trees, some of the tallest in Italy.
If you are travelling with animal-friendly children, let them experience a walk through the woods and village riding one of the donkeys cared by a local association.
Finally, all together at lunchtime with traditional local dishes, such as fettuccine with truffle and mushrooms, barbecued lamb, and pizzelle with cream.
What else to see:
- The church of Sant'Antonio da Padova
- The Saraceni Gate
- The Civic Museum
