Abruzzo is better known for its alpine climbs in the Gran Sasso massif, and the numerous limestone sport crags spread all over its provinces, but is now also home of one of the hardest boulder problems in the world: The Big Slamm 9a/V17.
The boulder has been climbed by Elias Iagnemma at the beginning of 2025, after 35 attempts by this strong professional climber from L’Aquila, who is also one of the few people to have climbed Burden of Dreams in Finland, the world’s first 9a.
The problem is in the bouldering area of Tintorale, in the province of Teramo. The climbing in this area is on sandstone, and there are over 60 problems, including an 8C+ (Ganesh, another first ascent of Iagnemma), and now a 9a. It may therefore be the hardest bouldering destination in Italy.
If you are interested in climbing in Tintorale, there is some info on MadBoulder.