Location and surroundings
Monte Lacerone lies in Italy, specifically in the Lazio region, the Rieti district, and the municipality of Cottanello. The peak is part of the Sabini Mountains, which are embedded within the Western Abruzzi Apennines, the Abruzzo Apennines, the Central Apennines, Apennine Mountains, and the Italian Peninsula. Ranked 52nd out of 310 named peaks in the Sabini Mountains, the surrounding landscape features rolling limestone formations, ridges, and wooded terrain characteristic of this sector of central Italy.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate surroundings of Monte Lacerone feature several nearby elevations and geographical points. The nearest peaks and passes include:
- Monte Abbruciaticcio (peak), 1,176 m, 2.5 km NE
- Cime di Macchialunga (peak), 1,160 m, 2.8 km N
- Monte Macchialunga (peak), 1,105 m, 3.0 km N
- Monte Lupara (peak), 1,231 m, 3.1 km NE
- Monte Rotondo (peak), 1,182 m, 3.1 km E
- Monte Macchia di Mezzo (peak), 1,215 m, 3.1 km E
- Monte Delle Croci (peak), 1,180 m, 3.4 km E
- Monte Macchione (peak), 882 m, 3.8 km SE
Among these, the nearest higher peak is Monte Abbruciaticcio at 1,176 m, located 2.5 km to the northeast.
The view from the summit
From the top of Monte Lacerone, wide-ranging views encompass various elevations across the broader landscape. The highest peaks visible within a 25 km radius include Vetta Sassetelli at 2,139 m, positioned 24.6 km to the east, and Monte Macchialaveta at 1,824 m, located 22.1 km to the east. Observers can also spot Monte Tilia reaching 1,775 m at 24.6 km to the northeast, Monte Catabio standing at 1,731 m at 24.6 km to the east, Monte Cardito at 1,719 m situated 22.7 km to the east, and Colle Scampetti rising to 1,707 m at 24.8 km to the east.
The range
Monte Lacerone belongs to the Sabini Mountains, which form part of the Western Abruzzi Apennines within the Abruzzo Apennines, the Central Apennines, the Apennine Mountains, and the Italian Peninsula. The highest peak of the Sabini Mountains is Monte Pellecchia, reaching 1,370 m and situated 41 km south of Monte Lacerone. The range contains 310 named peaks, with Monte Lacerone holding the 52nd position by elevation.
Climate and weather
These climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020. At the summit of Monte Lacerone, mean temperatures vary across the year, with the warmest month being July at about 21 °C and the coldest being January at about 3 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months from January to December. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 800 mm a year, with November serving as the wettest month at about 110 mm of precipitation and July being the driest at about 30 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden rain showers, rapid weather shifts, and winter conditions at higher elevations.
Best time to visit
The favorable period for visiting Monte Lacerone spans the months when temperatures remain above freezing at the summit, which includes the entire calendar year from January to December. However, drier conditions are generally experienced during the summer months, notably around July, which receives the lowest precipitation at about 30 mm. Winter and late autumn months bring increased rainfall, peaking in November with about 110 mm, making spring, summer, and early autumn preferable for clearer paths and more stable weather conditions.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Monte Lacerone and the Sabini Mountains features characteristic Mediterranean and Apennine vegetation, including mixed deciduous forests of oak, beech, and chestnut at lower and middle elevations, transitioning to open scrub and grassy meadows near the ridges. Wildlife typical of the region includes small mammals, various bird species, and occasional larger fauna native to the Central Apennines. The terrain is defined by rugged limestone geology typical of the Apennine Mountains in central Italy.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking organized ascents or professional instruction in Italy, the national mountain guide association is the Collegio Nazionale Guide Alpine Italiane (National College of Italian Alpine Guides), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organization. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI). Established guiding companies operating within the country include Società Guide Alpine Courmayeur based in Courmayeur and Società Guide Alpine del Cervino based in Breuil-Cervinia. A certified guide can be helpful for navigating unfamiliar terrain, though the peak is generally accessible for appropriately prepared hikers.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Monte Lacerone requires standard preparation for moderate hill walking, including sturdy footwear, proper layers for changing weather, and sufficient water. Mountain weather in the Sabini Mountains can shift quickly. In the event of an emergency, the emergency number for mountain rescue in Italy is 112, the Single European emergency number, though 118 is still used in some regions. Callers should ask for Soccorso Alpino (CNSAS), the national mountain rescue service.
Interesting facts
Monte Lacerone stands as the 52nd highest among 310 named peaks in the Sabini Mountains. Its nearest higher neighbor is Monte Abbruciaticcio, located 2.5 km to the northeast at 1,176 m. The highest point of the entire Sabini Mountains range is Monte Pellecchia, reaching 1,370 m at a distance of 41 km south of Monte Lacerone. The peak is situated entirely within the municipality of Cottanello in the Rieti district of Lazio, Italy.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Monte Lacerone? Monte Lacerone reaches an elevation of 1,087 m.
Where is Monte Lacerone located? It is located in Italy, within the municipality of Cottanello, the district of Rieti, and the region of Lazio.
Which mountain range does Monte Lacerone belong to? It belongs to the Sabini Mountains, part of the Western Abruzzi Apennines, Abruzzo Apennines, Central Apennines, Apennine Mountains, and the Italian Peninsula.
What are the nearest peaks to Monte Lacerone? The nearest peaks include Monte Abbruciaticcio at 2.5 km northeast, Cime di Macchialunga at 2.8 km north, and Monte Macchialunga at 3.0 km north.
Is there water on the way to Monte Lacerone? Natural water sources along paths can be unreliable; visitors should carry 1.5 to 3 liters of water for the day, depending on the weather conditions and length of the hike.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Monte Lacerone? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on your operator, but the 112 emergency number reaches rescue services over any available network.