Info
Small crag, closely related to Civitella del Tronto, which is characterized by well-protected short routes suitable for beginners or who would spend a relaxing day following the most playful side of climbing. The place is peaceful and secluded, surrounded by woodland.
The panoramic view from the top of the crag is spectacular, ranging from Civitella del Tronto to Gemelli Mounts and the Gorge of Salinello with Manfrino Castle in the backgrounds, up to Gran Sasso and Majella range. Well weathered rock and quite varied style: there are some slabs, dihedrals, and some short overhangs.
The rock is not perfect and it’s strongly recommended to wear a helmet!
On the top of San Nicola hill, in a dominant position, there are some ruins of a medieval Tower (Rocca Camilliana?) which was used as a watchtower, linked with Manfrino castle. Near the car park stands S.ma Maria Assunta church which dates back to the 13th century, heavily altered by now.
Signs of previous attempts were found: two steel cables through a tunnel and a tree, a piton up the slabs to the left and a pair of old anchors, but the crag has been cleaned prying off loose rocks, removing dust, moss, debris and setting sport climbing routes since winter 2019 by Gianluca Di Benedetto helped by Paola Di Giacomo and Mountain-guide Paolo De Laurentis.
Approach
From Teramo SS 81 in the direction of Ascoli to the village of Rocche di Civitella (a few km before Civitella del Tronto). Approximately at the center of the village, alongside the restaurant Le Rocche da Carletto (and about 100 meters before the coffee bar), turn left and follow the road signs to Colle San Nicola / Chiesa di Maria S.ma Assunta / Rocche San Nicola. Follow the uphill road ignoring a deviation to the left and to the right, until you reach a Memorial stone (dedicated to Domenico Pepe who built and donated this road to his fellow countrymen), then take the steep incline to the right ignoring deviations to the right, after that the road becomes almost flat, through the woods, continue until you reach a small parking area to the right, near the Church of Maria S.ma Assunta. (Work in Progress: you can easily open or by-pass the fence). About 14 km and 20 mins from Teramo.
From South (A14 Val Vibrata): SS16 at the roundabout keep to the right and follow the SP8 (road signs to Civitella del Tronto). Go on along the SP8 until the junction to the right, direction Civitella, at the roundabout below Civitella D.T.follow the road signs to Teramo until you reach the village of Rocche di Civitella (see above)
Alternatively, exit the A14 Mosciano S.A., take the Teramo - mare highway, direction Teramo, exit San Nicolò, then SP3 (Val Vibrata). At the roundabout follow the signs to Campli SP17 and then to Civitella (SS81) until you reach the village of Rocche di Civitella (see above).
From North: A14 exit San Benedetto, take the Ascoli - mare highway towards Ascoli, exit Castel di Lama, and then follow the road signs to Sant’ Egidio until you reach ss81. Follow the road signs to Teramo until you reach the village of Rocche di Civitella (see above).
