The sheep tracks are a concrete testimony to how travel took place in southern Italy in the millennia before our own. Grassy paths beaten by shepherds, who during the period of the transhumance They moved with their flocks to warmer climates. This is precisely the origin of the sheep tracks: true natural roads.
Transhumance: why sheep tracks were created
Transhumance arose from shepherds' need to provide their flocks with optimal climate year-round. The benefits of this activity are significant for the animals' well-being. Moving from the hot plains near the sea in summer to the cooler hills is a true blessing for them. When the season changes, however, they return to the plains. As the cattle moved between the fields, they fed on fresh forage, creating passages that could often be over 100 meters wide.
One of the most concrete testimonies regarding the origins of sheep tracks dates back more than 2000 years. An inscription found near Termoli and dated 600 BC describes what a sheep track actually was. It was later discovered that the sheep track actually passed through Termoli. Magno: a 244 km long route that connects the city of L'Aquila (Abruzzo) to Foggia (Puglia).
In 2019, the transhumance It has been included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Molise sheep tracks
Although transhumance is widespread among nearly all pastoral populations, it is most common in the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia. It is precisely in these regions that the majority of the total kilometers of sheep tracks (over 3.000 km) are concentrated.
Let's now see which are the most beautiful ancient transhumance routes that cross our region!
Pescasseroli-Candela Sheep Track
This is probably one of the most famous, as it passes through suggestive places with the Altilia of SepinoThe Pescasseroli-Candela sheep track is approximately 211 km long and connects the two towns in Abruzzo and Puglia.
L'Aquila-Foggia sheep track
This sheep track is considered the oldest of all, and the longest overall. It extends for 224 kilometers. It's no coincidence that it's also called the Great Sheep Track.
This sheep track runs along the entire coast of Molise, offering breathtaking scenery. For the bravest and most experienced hikers, it's possible to hike this trail in 10 stages. During the approximately 10-day hike, you can stay in the places you pass through and enjoy some of the landscapes that for centuries accompanied shepherds during their transhumance.
Celano-Foggia sheep track
This sheep track is about 200 km long and runs through upper Molise. Some famous sites along this royal sheep track are located in Molise itself, such as the Teatro Italico in Pietrabbondante and the Tempio Italico in Vastogirardi.
These are the three main sheep tracks that crisscross our region. There are also other shorter sheep tracks, also known as tratturelli, that serve as connections between the main sheep tracks.
Riding a sheep track is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes of Molise, Abruzzo, and Puglia.
Cover photo by icavalierideltratturo.it
