The Abruzzo National Park (recently renamed National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise) was originally a Royal Game Preserve created to protect the most endangered species. The Autonomous Board of the Abruzzo National Park was established in 1922 out of private initiative and included the mountainside of Val Fondillo belonging to the municipality of Opi, known as La Camosciara. Later on other municipalities such as Bisegna, Civitella Alfedena, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce dei Marsi, Villavallelonga and Pescasseroli added part of their territories. The Park was officially instituted by decree in 1923 and extended over an area of 18,000 hectares. Gradually the Park reached its current 40,000 hectares to be added to 60,000 hectares belonging to the Outer Protection Area.

The municipalities comprised in the National Park District can be divided as followsi:

Majestic mountain chains criss-cross in an impressive maze of rounded hill-tops and steep rocky peaks oozing the charm of a bygone age.
Rocks are mainly calcareous, and the Camosciara chain is distinguishably formed by the typical Alpine light-coloured dolomitic limestone which retains water on the surface, thus generating rushing streams and picturesque waterfalls.

The Park’s vegetation is incredibly varied. Particularly noteworthy the recently-discovered Marsian Iris (Iris marsica), the extremely rare Venus Slipper - the most beautiful orchid in Italy – the Wild Rose and the Birch growing in the Park’s shadiest spots.
Beech forests dominate the foothills. Spectacular century-old beech trees defensively surround the small village of Opi. Maples, Sycamores, European Aspens and Black Pines are all common in numerous parts of the Park.
Different varieties of plants belonging to the grass family (Graminae) and sedge family (Cyperaceae) typically grow over the upland grasslands. Pond Lily, Peony, Gentiana and Gentianella are used to produce aromatic liqueurs.
The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise is one of Western Europe’s last strongholds still inhabited by one of the most mysterious and fascinating forest-dwellers, the Apennine Wolf (40-50 animals) and the Park’s real protagonist, the Brown Bear (70-100 animals).
The National Park also boasts 500-600 specimens of the typical Abruzzo Chamois which elegantly and swiftly hops up the Chamois Reserve around Opi and all over the uplands. A museum entirely dedicated to this animal can be found in the village of Opi. Awe-inspiring deers, shy roe deers and typical Apennine foxes also roam around the Park freely. Golden eagles and peregrine falcons circle fearlessly in the sky in search for preys. But it is not uncommon to come across many other species during a walk in the National Park’s forests.