Corno Grande is part of the Gran Sasso massif, and is the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains and the highest on the Italian Peninsula, at 2,912 m above sea level.

Its northern corrie holds Europe's southernmost glacier, Calderone glacier (Ghiacciaio del Calderone).

The first recorded ascent of Corno Grande was made in 1573 by the Bolognese captain Francesco De Marchi together with Francesco Di Domenico.

The usual route of ascent is via the western ridge, although a number of other routes exist including one that ascends the southern face.