Monte Meta

Monte Meta stands in the Apennine Mountains of southern Italy, where it forms the highest point of Molise at 2185 metres. The mountain belongs to the Monti della Meta range and sits inside the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise. Its western sub-summit marks the meeting place of three Italian regions: Lazio, Abruzzo and Molise. The tripoint lies just below the summit, on ground that rises steeply from the surrounding valleys. Local people usually call the peak la Meta, a feminine form that gives its name to the whole sub-range. Strict rules protect the rare Apennine chamois that live on the slopes. Only one footpath, named L1, is open to walkers during the summer months. The park authority limits the number of hikers allowed each day and sets the days of the week when the path may be used. Anyone wishing to climb must first obtain permission from the natural park administration. These measures aim to keep disturbance to the mountain’s fragile wildlife to a minimum. The authorised route starts from Campitelli and winds through open grassland and rocky ridges. Views stretch across the national park’s wooded valleys and distant peaks. On clear days the Adriatic Sea can be seen to the east. The final climb to the tripoint follows a narrow ridge where the three regional borders meet. The summit itself is a small plateau surrounded by high crags, offering a quiet place to rest after the ascent.