When autumn paints Abruzzo in shades of gold, the ancient grassy paths — the tratturi — come alive once more with shepherds, flocks and bells.
The Autumn Transhumance marks the last great migration of livestock towards the lowlands before winter seals the mountain passes.
Recognised by UNESCO in 2019 as Intangible Cultural Heritage, transhumance is more than a pastoral practice — it is a way of life, preserving centuries-old knowledge and a deep connection between people and landscape.
From mountains to plains: a journey through memory
For centuries, Abruzzese shepherds have followed the Royal Tratturi, the ancient green routes linking L’Aquila, Sulmona and Scanno to the plains of Puglia.
The most famous is the Tratturo Magno, stretching 244 km from L’Aquila to Foggia.
Even today, during the autumn transhumance, shepherds retrace parts of this route, leading their flocks to milder lands before the snow arrives.
Each stop becomes a celebration — with music, rituals and local markets, a living expression of rural Abruzzo and its enduring traditions.
A living heritage
Today, transhumance is being rediscovered as a cultural and experiential journey.
Events like the Transumanza of Anversa degli Abruzzi, Fara San Martino Festival, and Tratturo Magno Walk attract visitors eager to share this timeless ritual.
It’s an opportunity to walk alongside shepherds, taste traditional cheeses, and rediscover the essence of slow living.
Transhumance remains a living bridge between past and future, between culture and sustainability — the very soul of Abruzzo.
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