The sleeping beauties

The Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo and 5 other female-shaped mountains around the world

 

Discover the most romantic mountains in the world with your kids, starting from the one closest to us: the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo.

Let’s explore the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo together!

What is the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo?

The Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo is a poetic name describing the profile of the Majella, one of the most striking mountains in the central Apennines.

Matteo, originally from Pescara, has spent years enchanting Giulia and Aldo by telling them the legends surrounding these areas, and I must admit that the kids couldn’t wait to see the profile of this famous Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo with their own eyes.

Indeed, when viewed from certain angles, especially from the Sulmona plain or the surrounding valleys, the rocky silhouette of the Majella massif appears to outline the face of a sleeping woman, and as you move further, you can observe her entire body.

This extraordinary natural phenomenon, which has become a symbol of the region, evokes a mix of mystery, charm, and legend that has always fascinated kids visiting the area.

The Majella and its unique profile

Also known as the “Mother Mountain,” the Majella is a mountain range rich in history and pristine nature. Its profile, resembling a reclining woman with her face turned to the sky, has inspired generations of Abruzzesi, becoming the subject of stories and folk traditions. This optical effect is created by the main peaks of the massif, such as Monte Amaro, the highest at 2,793 meters, and other summits that align to create this extraordinary figure.

Where it is and how to reach it

The Majella is located in the heart of Abruzzo, within the Majella National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse protected areas in Italy. To admire the profile of the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo, I recommend heading to Sulmona or nearby villages like Pacentro or Campo di Giove, where the view is truly unique. The area is easily accessible by car or public transport, thanks to the proximity of the A25 motorway and train stations connected to the Pescara-Rome line.

For an even more immersive experience, you can hike the park’s many trails, which offer breathtaking panoramic views.

Don’t forget that one of the most romantic places to observe the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo is the Costa dei Trabocchi, where you can enjoy a colorful and enchanting sunset.

The legend of the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo

It was only natural that, as we moved to Campo di Giove for our winter as digital hermits, the kids kept asking about the various legends surrounding the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo. They’ve heard these stories dozens of times, yet every car ride sparks a barrage of questions… there’s no denying it: legends and kids are a perfect match.

Among these ancient tales, the most famous is that of the Mother’s Sacrifice, a legend intertwining love, sorrow, and a deep connection to nature. However, there are also other stories and myths surrounding the profile of the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo, adding to its charm and magic.

The main legend: the Mother’s Sacrifice

According to the most famous legend, the profile of the woman on the Majella belongs to Maja, the most beautiful nymph of the Pleiades and daughter of Atlas and Pleione, the eldest of six sisters and mother of the giant Hermes, son of Zeus.

Maja, after her son was wounded in battle and while fleeing from his enemies, escaped to the Gran Sasso. However, Hermes was gravely injured and in urgent need of care. The mother left the cave in search of a healing herb, but upon her return, she found Hermes lifeless.

Heartbroken, she buried Hermes on the Gran Sasso, which reveals the profile of the Sleeping Giant. She, on the other hand, let herself die nearby, and the Majella massif now displays the profile of a woman gazing at the sea: the Sleeping Beauty.

Even today, according to popular belief, those who visit the mountain can still hear Maja’s desperate wails.

Other stories and myths linked to the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo on the Majella

Maja isn’t the only protagonist of the legends surrounding the Sleeping Beauty; there are other tales reflecting the spiritual bond between the Abruzzesi and their land. One lesser-known story tells of a goddess who, weary of human cruelty, decided to sleep forever, transforming into rock. There are also accounts of the mountain being inhabited by protective spirits that help travelers in need but punish those who harm nature.

These stories, passed down orally through generations, add a mystical aura to the Majella, making it not only a natural destination but also a place steeped in symbolic and spiritual meaning, where sustainable tourism has always played a key role.

Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo

Exploring the Majella with kids

Once you’ve shared the legends surrounding these areas, the Majella will become an incredibly fascinating destination for children! In our opinion, the Majella National Park is the perfect place for a family adventure. With its breathtaking landscapes and immersive nature activities, it offers unique experiences that captivate both kids and adults.

Here are some ideas to discover the magic of the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo with your kids.

The best viewpoints to see the Sleeping Beauty

The most famous legend speaks of Maja and her son Hermes. These characters can be seen from two different perspectives:

  • The eastern peak of Corno Grande, viewed from east to west, resembles the human face of Hermes in eternal slumber, a natural marvel known as the Sleeping Giant.
  • In a miraculous transformation by nature, as if gifting something special to the protagonists of this legend, the stone giant changes shape when viewed from a different angle—from the south—becoming a beautiful, shapely maiden with long hair stretched across the mountain ridge: the Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo.

Nature activities for kids and adults

The Majella offers countless opportunities to connect with nature as a family, with trails and activities designed for children.

Family-friendly hiking trails in the Majella

The Majella boasts an extensive network of trails that wind through stunning landscapes, perfect for introducing kids to nature without much effort. Many of the trails are short, flat, or have minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for families with young children.

One excellent option is the Sentiero delle Scalelle in Caramanico Terme. This path leads to the splendid Orfento Valley, with wooden bridges and streams that fascinate young explorers. The walk is short and shaded, perfect for a relaxing break.

For an educational experience, you can try the Sentiero della Cincia, also in Caramanico. This short trail, enriched with information panels, is dedicated to the park’s flora and fauna. Kids can learn through play, exploring the environment and discovering interesting facts about the animals that inhabit these mountains.

In Campo di Giove, two particularly engaging and child-friendly trails are the Sentiero dell’Orso and the Sentiero dei Briganti.

  • The Sentiero dell’Orso is short and easy, designed to introduce kids to the Majella’s wildlife in a fun and safe way. Along the path, informational panels tell the story of the Marsican bear and its habitat, making the walk both educational and exciting.
  • The Sentiero dei Briganti is a historical route that crosses ancient mountain trails where bandits once sought refuge. While slightly more challenging, it’s still suitable for older kids, with plenty of stories and legends to uncover along the way.

If you want to discover the 5 things to do in Campo di Giove with kids, don’t miss the full article!

With the right equipment and a few snacks in your backpack, these trails are a fantastic way to spend a day outdoors with your family, rediscovering the joy of slowing down and reconnecting with nature.

Educational activities for families

The Majella offers unique experiences for the whole family, where kids can have fun and learn in an extraordinary natural setting. Here are some of the most enjoyable activities to do with children:

  • Horseback riding in the Sant’Antonio forest near Pesco Costanzo
    Ride among the ancient beech trees of the Sant’Antonio forest, where little ones can safely connect with nature. This route is perfect for beginners and allows you to experience the forest from a different perspective.

  • Exploring the ancient forest of La Difesa in Pescasseroli
    An unforgettable experience in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. Ride along ancient trails and among giant candelabra-shaped beech trees. With some luck, you might spot wildlife like deer, wolves, and chamois. After the excursion, you can enjoy a traditional meal at a nearby agritourism (reservation required).

  • Adventure Park in Campo di Giove
    For energetic kids, the Adventure Park offers suspended trails, zip lines, and many other attractions designed to test their agility and adventurous spirit in total safety.

  • A day as a shepherd: herding in the Sagittario Gorge
    Experience the life of a shepherd with your kids! After a wholesome breakfast at an agritourism, you’ll accompany a flock through the Sagittario Gorge. Kids will love participating in traditional milking and trying their hand at cheese-making in a workshop designed for all ages. At the end of the day, each participant will receive a “good shepherd” certificate!

  • Harvesting and processing saffron on the Navelli plain
    A fascinating and fragrant activity for the whole family: children can learn the secrets of saffron, from carefully picking the delicate stigmas to processing them.

  • Canoeing on the Tirino River
    A water adventure suitable for everyone, even beginners. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the Tirino River, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, surrounded by history and nature. On December weekends, the experience becomes even more magical: kids can deliver their letters to Santa Claus along the route.

  • Walking through the enchanted Fiabosco
    Starting from Sant’Eufemia a Maiella, kids will be immersed in a magical world of fairy tales and characters like the Dragon, the Nymph Maia, and the Witch. The walk leads to a panoramic viewpoint where you can admire the Majella and Morrone mountains, for a day filled with magic and nature.

These activities are perfect for creating unforgettable memories and sharing special moments with your kids in the stunning setting of the Majella.

Creative experiences to engage kids

The Majella National Park organizes educational activities for families, such as workshops on local flora and fauna or guided encounters with experts to uncover the mountain’s secrets. A must-visit is the wildlife centers, where kids can observe animals like wolves and chamois up close in protected environments.

To make the visit even more special, you can offer your kids creative activities inspired by the Sleeping Beauty.

Drawing the Sleeping Beauty: an activity to do on-site

Bring along a sketchbook and some colored pencils, and invite your kids to draw what they see. Ask them to carefully observe the mountain’s profile and imagine the Sleeping Beauty. This exercise stimulates creativity and helps them connect with the landscape in a personal way.

Creating a personalized story inspired by the legend

After sharing the legend of the Sleeping Beauty, let your kids create their own version of the story. You can write it together or turn it into a comic strip. This activity not only entertains them but also helps develop their imagination and storytelling skills, leaving them with a unique souvenir of the trip.

Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo

The Majella: a natural treasure to protect

The Majella is a true treasure chest of biodiversity, safeguarded by the Majella National Park. With its unspoiled landscapes, ancient forests, and imposing peaks, it hosts an extraordinary variety of animal and plant species, making it a unique place to explore and preserve.

The unique biodiversity of the Majella National Park

Flora and fauna that captivate children

The flora of the Majella offers a spectacular display, with over 2,100 plant species, some of which are rare or endemic, meaning they are found only in this area. Among them, the Apennine edelweiss stands out—a delicate flower that blooms at high altitudes. In the wooded areas, children can marvel at majestic trees such as beeches, firs, and maples, while the mountain meadows are adorned with gentians, wild orchids, and vibrant bellflowers.

The fauna is equally fascinating. The Majella is the domain of the Apennine wolf, a symbol of the park, and the Marsican brown bear, two protected species that spark the imagination of young explorers. It’s not uncommon to spot deer, roe deer, and wild boars in the forests, while majestic birds of prey like the golden eagle and griffon soar in the skies. In the streams and ponds, children might discover amphibians such as the Italian newt, while colorful butterflies and small mammals like dormice can be found in the meadows.

Environmental education and guided tours

The Majella National Park offers a variety of environmental education activities designed for families. Guided tours, often led by expert naturalists, help both children and adults understand the importance of protecting this unique ecosystem. Through workshops and nature walks, kids can learn to identify animal tracks, uncover the secrets of medicinal plants, and understand the delicate balance that governs life in the mountains.

One particularly engaging experience is a visit to the wildlife rescue centers, where children can get up close to the park’s animals and hear the stories of their rescues. Additionally, along thematic trails, informational panels provide simple and interactive explanations of the characteristics of flora and fauna, turning every hike into an educational adventure.

Conservation initiatives and sustainable tourism

The Majella National Park is involved in numerous conservation projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and raising awareness among visitors about the importance of sustainable tourism. These initiatives include programs for the reintroduction of the Apennine chamois and the preservation of natural habitats for the wolf and Marsican brown bear.

For visitors, the park promotes responsible tourism practices, such as staying on marked trails, minimizing waste, and participating in activities that support the local economy, like guided tours with certified guides or visits to local farm stays.

Exploring the Majella responsibly not only allows visitors to enjoy its natural wonders but also helps preserve them for future generations. Such a precious mountain deserves to be cherished and protected, ensuring it remains a safe haven for its species and an endless source of discovery for children.

Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo

Other mountains with a female profile: curiosities from around the world

One surprising discovery during our time in these regions was learning that “our Sleeping Beauty” isn’t the only one; there are, in fact, five other mountain ranges around the world that share this name. Keep reading to uncover the Sleeping Beauties scattered across the globe!

Mount Susitna, Alaska: the Arctic Sleeping Lady

Mount Susitna (1,340 m), also known as the Sleeping Lady, in Alaska, made waves on social media and in the news last year due to a viral fake photo. In the summer of 2020, an image circulated online claiming to be a drone shot of Susitna, showing a mountain ridge with an unmistakable female profile—a woman lying down, seen from above. Too perfect to be true. The creator of the image, Jean-Michel Bihorel, later clarified that it was a digitally altered artwork titled Winter Sleep. While Susitna does have a feminine profile, it’s not visible from above. Like the Majella, you must view it from a distance to spot the reclining woman.

Doi Nang Non, Thailand: the Sleeping Queen of the Jungle

In Thailand, along the border with Myanmar, lies the Doi Nang Non mountain range, also known as the “Sleeping Girl Mountain.” This series of peaks forms a striking female profile. The highest summit reaches 1,276 meters. The range is home to a karst complex with numerous caves, including the famous Tham Luang cave, the site of an epic rescue in June 2018, where a youth soccer team was trapped for over two weeks.

La India Dormida, Panama: the Sleeping Princess of the Tropics

In Panama’s Valle de Antón, you’ll find the Sleeping Indian Girl, or La India Dormida. According to legend, Flor del Aire, daughter of one of Panama’s great tribal chiefs, Urracá, who fought against the Conquistadors, fell in love with a Spanish soldier. Meanwhile, Yavari, a warrior from her tribe, longed for her love. When rejected, he took his own life by jumping from a mountain in front of the princess. Heartbroken, Flor del Aire left her home and never saw the Spaniard again. She wandered through mountains and valleys until she died on the Caribbean shores, gazing toward the mountains she had loved so much. The peaks, touched by her tragic love story, took on her likeness, forming the Sleeping Indian Girl.

Sleeping Lady Mountain, Pakistan: the Himalayan Legend

From the village of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, you can see another Sleeping Beauty. This series of peaks is known as the Sleeping Lady.

La Bella Durmiente, Peru: the Profile of the Amazonian Forest

Our journey ends in Peru, where you can admire La Bella Durmiente, also known as Puma Ringri. Rising 1,805 meters, this peak is located in the Tingo María National Park in the Huánuco region. Peru’s Sleeping Beauty mountain is tied to a legend about Nunash, a princess who awaits a kiss from the sorcerer Kunyaq to awaken her.

Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo

Now that you’ve discovered all the Sleeping Beauties scattered across the world, it’s time to pack your backpack and set off on an adventure!

Digitally Yours

☀️ Sara ☀️

17 thoughts on “The Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top