On 13 September 2025, the Ferrata Bertona was inaugurated on Monte Bertona, on the Pescara side of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. This is the least-known of the three faces of the Gran Sasso massif, lower in altitude than the Teramo and L’Aquila sides, but no less striking, with limestone walls, rocky towers, and sweeping views towards the Adriatic.
The starting point is along the road from Montebello di Bertona towards Villa Celiera: initially asphalt, then a dirt track through the woods. After about 5 km, signs mark the trailhead, and a short 5-minute walk leads to the base of the ferrata. A GPS track is available on Ferrate365.
The route, 250 meters of development and just over 100 meters of elevation gain, is vertical from the very first meters, with abundant stemples throughout. Several sections are exposed but the approach and descent are straightforward. The return to the parking area takes around 15 minutes on an easy path.
Mountain guide Matteo Cittadini of Abruzzo Mountain Guides describes the ferrata as very well made, both in construction and line choice, with vertical sections and exposed passages above the wall. He does not recommend it for beginners, as it requires solid prior experience on via ferratas.