It sits at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level in the Province of L'Aquila in Italy's Abruzzo Region.

They were used in times past by the local shepherds during the transumanza for protection from the elements, especially the rain and snow showers which can unexpectedly arise in the area.

Although covered with snow in the winter and barely accessible at other times of the year, the Capanelle Pass in days past served as the only practical way to travel from one side of the Gran Sasso to the other.

Palombieri was finally captured by Chiaffredo Bergia, a carabiniere (member of the Italian national police force) who had gained bragging rights for having put another brigand, Andrea Andreani, behind bars.

During the struggle to subdue Palombieri which took place near the Italian village of Campotosto shots were fired and Bergia was wounded.