We Love Abruzzo

La Costa dei Trabocchi

The "trabocchi" are strange and complex fishing machines, hoisted on stilts, and almost miraculously supported by a web of wires and boards. The "trabocchi"are made of lightweight architecture, one could say air, but solid, able to withstand the weight of the sturdy fishing net and the stress of storms at sea.

They are not an architectural element stable, but dynamic, in constant relationship with the forces of nature, whereby their ethereal structures interact continuously, as at each sea pieces lose more or less important, and after every storm, they need to be adjusted and repairs.To repair them think "“i traboccanti " depositaries and custodians of an ancient and fascinating art, seemingly primitive and improvised, but actually evolved as the most complex engineering techniques. The materials used are extremely varied and were initially linked to the local availability: elm, spruce and acacia were the most commonly used woods, together with hemp rope. Today we shall see very well the wires and the railway sleepers: the important thing is that all materials are used strictly for recycling. Despite the variety of timbers and materials, however, the "trabocchi"are very harmonious and elegant in the complex game of wires, ropes and poles that are intertwined, making them similar to "colossal spiders," as the famous poet Gabriele D'Abruzzo described them.

Today, after a period of low use and neglect, trabocchi are back in the spotlight, thanks to a law of the Abruzzo Region, enacted in 1994, which promotes recovery, considering them important cultural and environmental heritage, and true works of art to be transmitted to posterity.Thanks to this law, many overflowing, now in a state of decay, were restored and made functional, becoming the true reason of attraction of the coast where they arise.Their primitive architecture, the old networks, the tools work tell stories of times past and give off a vintage charm, which fires the imagination and stimulates the curiosity of all who the mysterious world of overflows are combined.

La Costa dei Trabocci in Abruzzo

The Chieti coast is among the many that can be found in the region. The area further north, which runs from Francavilla al Mare consists of a long strip of golden sand where alternating small stretches of beach with a dense network of plants, also called chalet or 'baths', equipped with every convenience. Here, the first bathing establishment was founded in 1873 and since then has never stopped Francavilla draw tourists from all over Italy and Europe that not only appreciate the liveliness of the coast that evening comes alive with festivals and concerts, may rely on tranquility that reigns at the top, perched overlooking the sea on the sequence of houses that populate the modern part of town. Here is located the Convent of Francesco Paolo Michetti, who became a cultural ideal refuge coterie of Gabriele D'Annunzio and other Abruzzi talent as a musician Francesco Paolo Tosti and Barbella.To visit the new Mumi, the museum named after Michetti located in the renovated rooms of the old Convent of St. Dominic, and the church of S. Franco, recently built, but which houses a precious monstrance of 1413 the goldsmith Nicola da Guardiagrele. From Francavilla continues along the coastline and straight up to the first ripples of the coastal landscape with promontories of Torre Mucchia Ferruccio Punta, Punta Lunga, Repair of Job.Thus we arrive at Ortona also known for the port, the best equipped for commercial traffic. The walk East, a curvaceous balcony that overlooks the sea, leads to the Cathedral of St. Thomas, the Aragonese Castle, the austere Palazzo Farnese.Here, the old city center, lies the old palace Crow, now the seat of Tosti and Regional Enoteca, an ideal place to taste and learn about the history of the wines from Abruzzo. Continuing from Ortona to the south coast takes new forms, is enlivened with a thousand beaches and coves, some hidden, some large and welcoming, real ponds where crystal-clear Adriatic green and gold of the white pebble beach or play confused and are characterized with eloquent names such as "beautiful water" and "blue Cape." We are already in San Vito Chietino, the 'land of gorse' where Gabriele D'Annunzio, in the silence of his retreat (the retreat dannunziano fact) wrote the most beautiful pages of the Triumph of Death.

This is considered one of the most fascinating areas of the entire coastline, quiet and rich aromas of the sea and vegetation, orchards and olive groves. And 'here that a short distance into the water rise the overflowing "... the car that seemed to live their harmony, and an effigy of the body having an air core," as he described the poet, original constructions used for similar fishing piers, built and supported with wood that carries on the sea beaches and the rocks. Further south, after a bend on the road which runs alongside the sea and rail, here Fossacesia Marina, dominated by the imposing ruins of the spectacular abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere. On these shores, where the earth tries to lick the sea, reigns the Mediterranean while further south is the only major coastal forest of Abruzzo is not artificially implanted, the ilex grove of Torino di Sangro, also composed of oak, turkey oak, oriental hornbeam and elm.The lushness of the stain still on the beaches of Casalbordino, Villa Alfonsina, of Punta Penna and at the nature reserve of Punta d'Erce (or Punta Aderci), up to the doors of Vasto, coastal town with a glorious past (Histonium was an important seaport Roman) divided, as many coastal towns of Abruzzo between the top and the sea. From the old town, dominated by the medieval castle that had its heyday under the Bourbon rule, affords extensive views over the Gulf of Vasto Marina, one of the best equipped for beach tourism and entertainment.
From here the coast continues quiet and sly toward the San Salvo Marina which is the border between Abruzzo and Molise, with the largest beach in some places still a little wild.

Vasto caostline

In a few minutes to get to Vasto, the ancient Histonium, which starts the last part of the Gulf coast of Abruzzo, with its Golden, admirable from the impressive Belvedere Blades. The center, in the upper part of town, is rich of monuments testifying its glorious past: the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the old Castle and the Palace Caldoresco D'Avalos, currently houses the Museum of Archaeology and Art Gallery. Of great importance is Punta Aderci regional reserve established in 1998 to protect the rocky coastline between Vasto and Casalbordino. The area of great botanical and geological interest, offers excellent opportunities for birdwatchers while the summer is wonderful for swimming and diving.San Salvo is developed in part on the hill and partly along the Marina. The administrative and economic center is located in the upper town, which was founded on the banks of the river Trigno and whose original (XI - XII sec.) Seems to derive originally from a convent of Cistercian authors of an intense and exciting phase of reclamation and development cultivation of land. The historical memory of San Salvo found hospitality in the museum "House of Culture", where you can admire the remains of Roman and medieval old town, but the main monument of the old town is the church of San Giuseppe. The Navy is still partly intact with a beach sometimes wild around which have been developing the hotel business, catering and leisure.

Travel to Costa Trabocchi

Besides being one of the most attractive seaside resorts of the coast, with the popular Lido Lido Riccio and Saracens, Ortona has one of the best equipped ports in Abruzzo. A splendid panoramic view of the city is offered by the Eastern Promenade, where you can get to the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral of St. Thomas and the Palazzo Farnese, built to become the summer residence of Margaret of Austria and now houses the Museum and the Pinacoteca Cascella Civic. Just near the castle is located the charming Palazzo Corvo, the fifteenth century., Headquarters of the Abruzzo region and of the Musical Tosti. The interior, however, contains an agricultural basin of great importance, which is accompanied by the core commercial and industrial buildings.South of San Vito Chetino you identify the most pristine stretch of coastline frentano: here, in the territory of Rocca San Giovanni, where the beaches alternating with cliffs overlooking the sea, the rich natural environment of Punta Cavalluccio houses the Centre for environmental documentary "Trabocchi coast." In the ancient fortified town, founded in 1076, is worth visiting the parish church of St. Matthew, declared a national monument, which houses a beautiful canvas of 300, representing the Madonna of the Spaceship.

Fossacesia offers one of the loveliest corners of the central Adriatic with the splendid Gulf of Venus is dominated by the hill on which stands the ancient Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, a reference to all monuments of the Abruzzo. Fossacesia, as Rocca San Giovanni, is divided into two parts: the historical center, surrounded by rich olive groves, where the town hall, and the Navy.

Torino di Sangro has a beautiful panoramic location in the sea and drown the end of the valley Sangrina. In the center are to visit the parish church of St. Saviour of the '700, the monumental complex of San Felice, with the church and convent, and the Palazzo Priori. Behind the marine part, is the famous "ilex," declared a nature reserve with regional law and protected by the Italian Botanical Society. Near the woods there is a well-kept cemetery of British killed in bloody Battle of the Sangro in 1943, while in Le Morge, further south, open beaches of gravel and sand.The fine sand is found in the Lido Casalbordino, behind which lie the rich forests of San Savino and Don Venancio and the ruins of the Abbey of Santo Stefano in Rivomarsi.

Inland, about 12 km from the coast we find Lanciano, first colony and then Roman Municipality, founded under the name Anxanon who became the second century. B.C. Anxanum, Lanciano is among the most fascinating cities in the region with a glorious past that has seen important center during the Middle Ages to the famous fairs which attracted merchants from all sides, even from foreign countries. Among the many artistic treasures of the city is worth visiting the sixteenth century Cathedral, called Santa Maria del Ponte built the bridge of three arches of the third century Diocletian., Located near the central Piazza Plebiscite. Not far away are the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore (1227), surely the most beautiful in the region, and the church of San Biagio and St. Augustine, in Rome over the church of San Francesco, where the miracle took place in the eighteenth century, namely the transformation in the host blood during Mass today preserves the precious reliquary monstrance. Remains to be seen, the tower and the Porta San Biagio Montanara, the last of the nine entrances to the city.

I trabocchi d'Abruzzo : another treasure to be conserved

Much of the charm that emanate the "trabocchi", and that is attracting tourists and visitors from abroad, mainly derived from the places where they are located. In most cases, trabocchi are located along the ledges on the coast, where it forms a point on the sea, and where departs from the shore a row of rocks that can reach an advanced stage on the water, so you can allow fishing on a deep mirror, which can exploited currents that line the coast. Fascinating is also the technique used to fishing from trabocchi: the large nets are lowered into the sea with a winch fixed at the center of the rotating platform. From time to time, are raised a little above sea level. The trapped fish, mostly mullet, bream, garfish, and blue fish in general, are suspended above the water, the dense network in the cable, flashing in a flash of light, until they are brought up with a landing net (the " volega ").

The origins of the overflows are still partly obscure. It seems certain, however, that their construction dates from the eighth century. AD, when farmers and shepherds, not experts in waves and boats, however, sensed that they could supplement their agricultural harvest, projecting on the open sea with the really true extensions of the earth, or with piles planted on the rocks below. The first overflowing, therefore, were not fishermen, but farmers who understood that, with construction reaching advanced positions on the artificial sea water could be drawn from the sustenance necessary to supplement the meager fruits offered by the cultivation of their awkward and not very fertile coastal lands.

Today, after a period of low use and neglect, overflows are back in the spotlight, thanks to a law of the Abruzzo Region, enacted in 1994, which promotes recovery, considering them important cultural and environmental heritage, and true works of art to be transmitted to posterity.Thanks to this law, many overflowing, now in a state of decay, were restored and made functional, becoming the true reason of attraction of the coast where they arise.Their primitive architecture, the old networks, the tools work tell stories of times past and give off a vintage charm, which fires the imagination and stimulates the curiosity of all who the mysterious world of overflows are combined.

To know more about the Trabocchi see also our seggested itinerary and don't forget to contact us for your tailored itinerary.

Pescasseroli : the heart of Abruzzo National Park

Here beats the heart of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo Lazio and Molise, Pescara, in fact, it is home. Located nelll'alta Sangro Valley, at 1,167 m. sea level, in an amphitheater of mountains and ancient woodland, this area retains the rugged beauty of the landscape and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. Strategic basis, then, for excursions in a lively and engaging nature where the possibility of a close encounter on the slopes with the animals of the park is real. In one of the most beautiful mountain areas of Italy is the location of the park offering snow. It has long been known as an important winter sports resort equipped with five lifts serving about 20 km of pistes.Part of its history is linked to transhumance, in fact departed from here towards the cattle track Candela (FG). The town, which suffered considerable damage from the earthquake of 1915, however, retain evidence of civil architecture. Birthplace of the philosopher Benedetto Croce, Pescasseroli also has a flourishing handicrafts, especially wood. The dry and healthy climate, the excellent tourism facilities - accommodation, sports and leisure make it the ideal place to stay for the summer and winter sports, but also to stay in any given year. Among the suggested offering the Visitor's Center of the National Park of Abruzzo, with natural history museum, botanical garden and wildlife area.Pescasseroli is very close to Opi one of the highest in the Abruzzo National Park , an important ideal place to spend winter holidays and skiing holidays in peace, and for the practice of cross country skiing and hiking.

Pescasseroli is known as a health resort, resort in both summer and winter, and as the main center of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. In the country, in fact, are a museum and a center to visit with some specimens of native fauna, including the Marsicano bear, in addition to the reconstruction of the tomb of the remains of a woman who lived in the area in the sixth century BC.
In the center stands the Palazzo curtains (built in 1839), established the Foundation named after Erminio curtains, MP and founder of the Park, where born on February 25, 1866 the philosopher Benedetto Croce. Also of importance is the abbey of Saints Peter and Paul, founded in 1100. In it there is a wooden statue of the Madonna and Child which dates back to the thirteenth century. The September 8, 1752 the Vatican Chapter, by sending a precious golden crown, proceeded to the solemn coronation of the statue.

Pescasseroli tourism

Perfect for activities in the "fresh air"

The inhabitants of Pescasseroli have built, as the most famous Italian tourist attractions, their history of progress and economy. For the 70 to date have been made numerous recreational facilities. About 11 Residence, 28 hotels, 40 houses and 6 private campsites. Perfectly equipped for summer and winter tourism, Pescara has about 2000 beds. In some months there are more than 15,000 visitors. The tourist offer is organized in accordance with policy needs and wishes of visitors. During the high season and fill the numerous small pensions that wind through the streets of the historic center. Hotels surrounded by extensive gardens in parks that provide relaxation and tranquility. Camping at night to live the mysteries of nature. Over 17 restaurants where the cuisine rich and healthy can taste the local specialties: the soups flavored with wild greens, first of all "orapi" - wild spinach - that grow in late spring on pens at high altitude abandoned by the shepherds . The homemade bread, grilled meat, and ricotta cheese. Looking at the people strolling along the tree-lined streets, you can enjoy the comfort of liquors, liqueurs and herbal and fruit typical of this woodland. Enjoy the sweet desserts in the 3 D'Abruzzo and pastries. The holiday is like for tourists: spend the day practicing hiking trails rich in springs and towering maple trees, accompanied by professional guides of The PNA and the Cooperative Ecotur. Horseback riding, walking or mountain biking on the high peaks that hide an ancient shrine, that of Mount Calm, call of many men and the Black Madonna is venerated. A dip in the swimming pool, playing tennis or soccer. A jump in the town center, take a look at crafts in wood, wrought iron and leather. In the evening sitting in a chat 2 pub listening to live music or watch the entertainment organized for the summer Pescasseroli. Outdoor concerts in unusual places and nightclubs in improvised places away from the picturesque town. The quality of the holiday is determined by the choice of stay. Young people prefer to camp because the cost of accommodation is lower than the hotel. Families choose to live your holiday in hotels or guest houses, almost every family, in a warm and cozy with organized entertainment, beauty treatments and massages. The location of the structures is another key fact many are seeking "refuge" away from the town.

Ideal on winter for skiing and relaxing....

Wolf Howling Excursion at night in the Abruzzo National Park

An excursion dedicated to know the Apennine Wolf (Canis Lupus Italicus). It has been an endangered specie but now they live in the Park with a stable number of almost 50 elements. During this excursion which is held in the evening ( From 17.00 p.m to 20.00 p.m. in winter and from 19.30 p.m. to 22.30 p.m. in summer), you will discover its life and society organized in a strong hierarchy. The wolf is very difficult to see because It prefers to move during the night and lives in the wildest places in the Park.

A 'night hike" to listen to the howling of wolves, a reminder that evokes unique feelings and instincts. But actually, the howl it's an extraordinary means of distance communication between flocks or between members of the same flock. Don't miss the opportunity to know closely this extraordinary predator, demonized and reduced to extinction over the centuries, but returned today to repopulate areas of the Alps and the Apennines Mountains.

The 'night hike" is also more fashinating, because it allows you to relax and to mix to the natural habitat and wildlife, in order to "rediscover" your five sense, under a wonderful starlight sky which will be the perfect frame for your unforgettable excursion.

The next tours are available from From Monday 18 June to Thursday 27 September 2012 every Monday e Thursday and the difficulty level recommended for this kind of excursion is intermediate-easy.

Place : Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise Comune: Pescasseroli (AQ)
Provincia: L'Aquila Regione: Abruzzo

For any other information contact us ( weloveabruzzo@gmail.com) and on our Facebook page or visit the Abruzzo National Park website : http://www.parcoabruzzo.it/Eindex.php (living the park /events).

Have fun and don't hesitate to share with us your oppinion and pictures :-)

Thank you!!!

Villalago : a unique combination of water, vegetation and architecture

Villalago unexpectedly appears to visitors coming from Sulmona through the rugged gorges of Sagittarius, on top of Mount Argoneta. The houses stand lined up on ravines and crags as if they are about to slip.

Down, at the bottom of the mountain, the river Sagittario flows through the thick poplar woods forming lakes with clear and green waters, which are an oasis for aquatic birds.
From the main square, the village climbs up in a fascinating sequence of steps, lanes and squares, forming an amphitheatre on the eastern side of the mountain,.

The characteristic suppuorts, which are arches on which stone wooden beamed houses were built, are a particular element of this place. Along the alleys of the old town, on the stone gates of the houses, it is possible to see many coats of arms, depicting animals, flowers and faces.

Carrying on from Piazza Celestino Lupi, after climbing the great staircase, you will get to the heart of the village, where you can visit the parish church, built in the Romanesque style of Abruzzo, which preserves a painting from 1521 depicting the Madonna del Rosario and the altar of San Domenico,a precious stone carved monument from the XII century.

Continuing up, you will first get to Porticella, which once had a small door that accessed a built-up area and the old Town Hall, which was built during the second half of the nineteenth century.
This is where the Church of San Giovanni Battista stood, with its bell tower that was converted into a municipal tower with a clock in 1887. From here you get to the Palazzo della Cancelleria (XVI century), which was home to its ancient university and which has been converted into houses. Remains of the mullioned windows and stone lintels are still visible today.
Only two of the five churches of Villalago are in the village: the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Church of the Madonna Addolorata.

The first is in the upper part of the village, its portal presents a magnificent stone lunette that dates back to the eleventh or twelfth century, depicting Christ holding the book of life, flanked by two kneeling angels, and crowned with the faces of hooded monks.

The Chapel of the Madonna Addolorata dates back to 1575 and was annexed to the palace of the Lupi family. The bell of S. Domenico with the incision Ave Maria Gratia Plena AD 600.on the inside, and that was found in the Monastery of San Pietro, is preserved inside the bell tower,.
In the lower part of Villalago is the church of the Madonna di Loreto, which was already mentioned in early fourteenth century registers of the city of Valva. On the portal is a bas-relief that recalls the lunette of the Church of San Michele depicting an angel. Inside, the painting of The Madonna del Rosario is dated 1561. The beam of the bed used by the Saint in the hermitage of Prato Cardoso is kept under the altar which houses in its largest niche the statue of San Domenico, one of the saint’s teeth is preserved in a magnificent fifteenth century reliquary in the sacristy.

Next is the Church of the Grazie near the public gardens, embellished by a little stone portal dated 1555.In order to appreciate the genius of this place, the sense of life from which Villalago was born, you must visit the Hermitage of San Domenico. The anchorite lived in this place of spiritual retreat around the year 1010. San Domenico found the peace he was searching for here, in fact the hermitage stands like a gem set between the rocks and the beautiful emerald green waters.

The stone portal of the church has Byzantine style drawings, but it is the mullioned window, that takes the eye to the lake where mallards, gooses and coots live. It is a place that leads you to believe that God moved heaven onto the earth. Today this place along with Lake Pio is a nature reserve. It is surrounded by mountains with forests of Turkey oaks and beeches, on the border of the National Park of Abruzzo.

The rite of the " Madonna che scappa in piazza" - Sulmona

The Rite of the "Madonna running in the square" on the morning of Easter day in Sulmona (AQ), is organized from centuries by the Brotherhood of St. Mary of Loreto, also of medieval origin, recalling the Resurrection of Christ, through a folk-religious function unique in its kind. Piazza Garibaldi is crowded with people. On one side of the square, under the arches of the Swabian, there is on a throne with the statue of the Risen Christ. On the other side there is the Church of St. Philip from which will come the Madonna in mourning, at the urging of the two disciples of Jesus, S. Peter and S. John, who have traveled to the glad tidings of the resurrection of Christ. The two saints are knocking mutually, but she believes only in San Giovanni at the third attempt. The mother of Jesus this time obeys the invitation of John, the church doors open and she goes out. The ritual is complex and Our Lady along unsteadily and clocked the distance that exists between the church and the center of the square because she is still overwhelmed with grief and incredulous. Halfway through the square, the mother of Jesus searches the horizon and better recognize the risen Son that awaits. At this point Our Lady begins a wild ride, during which she drops the black cloak of mourning. She is now wearing a green dress, the color of spring, a harbinger of happy wishes as a flight of doves is released into the sky accompanied by bursts of firecrackers. Once again,we can attend a ritual that has roots that go far beyond the remotest Christian dimension , when among the pagan peoples, early in the year , the popular sacred springs were celebrated, auspicious for wealth, fertility and happiness for the new generations.

The first to proclaim the Resurrection to the Virgin are St. Peter and St. John the Evangelist, the oldest and the youngest. As in the Gospel narrative, the two statues that represent them arrive first in San Filippo Church.

The Risen Christ waiting for his Mother.

Shortly after the aqueduct is set up a small stage decorated with red banners in which is placed the statue of the risen Jesus awaiting the arrival of the Mother.

The statue of the Madonna comes out only after three calls and walks slowly toward the center of the square. It 's still adorned with the black cloak, a symbol of mourning.

At this time the two apostles would step aside and stop. The statue of the Madonna and goes on and right near the fountain, the race starts.

This is the most exciting moment of the Easter events. The statue loses its black coat and unveils a green dress. The beginning of the ride is accompanied by the flight of doves, symbols of peace.

flight of doves ...

Finally reunited....

Cantine Aperte 2012 - Save the date - May 27th 2012

Open Cellars (Cantine Aperte) celebrates its 20th anniversary. The event organized by the Wine Tourism Movement is the most important event in Italy dedicated to wine lovers who want to learn more about wine through its places of production and its people.

Every year on the last Sunday of May, about 1,000 partner companies open their doors to a million of wine tourists interested in direct experience in the cellars. An event that, due to its growing success, drives every year more and more visitors discover the wineries in all seasons.

Open Cellars are mostly loved by young people, in pairs or in groups, leaders of several initiatives of gastronomic culture and artistic offered throughout the country. However, this event attract also lot of families with children, because it's a unique opportunity of trying good wine, but also typical and healthy local food enjoying fresh air and a healthy environment.

Born with Cantine Aperte, Wine Tourism Movement's mission is the spread of wine culture and its territories. For this reason, the movement aims to promote Cantine Aperte in other European and extra - european countries which have as Italy a strong characterization of wine and a deep connection with food traditions.

In the name of the slogan "See what you're drinking," for that day, the companies tell their excellence, showing their production secrets, guide to tasting, propose initiatives, exhibitions, live music, and nature walks in the vineyards, tasting the products of territories, and more.

So save the date , Cantine Aperte on the 27th of May : don't miss the opportunity of a weekend of relax, open air, taste and healthy life with all the fun and joy that the wineries of the Wine Tourism Movement can give.

To know the list of Abruzzo's cellars which participate to this great event visit the website : www.movimentoturismovino.it.

Enjoy :-)

Cocullo (AQ) , the village and history

Located between the Peligna and the valley of Fucino, Cocullo keeps the characters of ancient medieval village. Dominated by the tower of the castle of the Piccolomini, is well worth visiting the church of Madonna delle Grazie, unmissable is the feast of St. Dominic, the first Thursday in May, with the famous procession of snake-charmers.

Cocullo bears the name and form the "greek conculion'' (shell) and" Latin for'' cucullus hat-shaped tip, because the country is a cap rock that rises over the Valley of Sagittarius. Its history can be started from the Middle Ages, since almost all the ancient manuscripts were burned around the fifties, to rid the premises of the Church of St. Nicholas where they were kept until then. Two thousand years ago Cocullo was mentioned by the historian Strabo (born in Greece and educated in Rome) in the 5 th book of his work "Geography", along with Carseldine and defined "Cuculum oppidum" (fortress), situated on a small hill to dominate the valley and protect it and to feel protected in turn. Upstream of the town of Casale (fraction of Cocullo) there was a town called "Trianella", very famous in those days, formed from many quarters, including perhaps the present Cocullo. Trianella was heavily populated and you can imagine from the said "one hundred thousand Trianella Trianella fucarella", where the latter term stood for many families. Here people worshiped the god Hercules, who handles the snakes these animals symbolized abundance, fertility and wealth.

Later, these pagan roots were assimilated by the Catholic tradition, but it gives them a different meaning, seeing the snake as a hostile pet but San Domenico can dominate. So today the village is known in Italy and worldwide for the famous procession of San Domenico with snakes, which just perpetuates the ancient rite.

Dating from the tenth century, in all probability the current village was built on the ruins of an ancient pre-Roman; near the town, in fact (Casale), were found the remains of villas in the first century BC and small bronzes of Hercules. Belonged to the barony of Pescina, in the eighteenth century was still owned by the family Sforza - Cabrera - Bodavilla.

Suggested Sights & Excursions :

Castello dei Piccolomini
Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie
Santuario di S. Domenico Abate

The Piccolomini Tower

Madonna delle Grazie Church

Cocullo was certainly a prosperous town in the middle ages, as seen by the rather scant remains of its castle, tower (located near the 12th century Porta Ruggeri) and the old church of San Nicola di Bari.
The procession of the snakes is connected to S. Domenico but also contains traces of Abruzzo before the arrival of Christianity.

WHAT TO SEE
Of the religious buildings, especially important is the church of S. Maria delle Grazie, that dates back to the 14th century, with a splendid crowned facade, ceiling and portale.
Charming and deeply connected to a secular spirituality is the church of San Domenico that contains processional crosses of the Sulmona school but above all else the reliquary and the statue of the Saint that is used in the traditional ritual procession of the snakes.

Useful link you can find on our blog :

The Serpari Rite
Anversa degli Abruzzi
Scanno
Villalago
Pescasseroli

Scanno

Between the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo and the upper Sagittario valley, Scanno is surrounded by a rugged, peculiar landscape. The lake, a favourite destinations for anglers, is one of the marvels of Abruzzo. Everywhere traditional craftswork is celebrated. Especially famous the gold filigree and the renowned Abruzzese jewel worn by ladies, the presentosa, usually presented at betrothal in the form containing two little hearts. Very famous also the women's costume, still worn today by many of the local elderly women. Through the historical centres small alleys, balconies, flights of stairs are an astonishing maze for visitors, who come here all over the year also thanks to the many ski-ing facilities available in the surrounding mountains. Scanno is also the seat of an important liiterary event, the "Premio Scanno", divided into various sections, from literary to journalism.

History remains of ancient walls point to the existence of a Roman settlement, but the early records of the town date back to the 11th century, when it was part of the feifdom of the Count of Sangro; then it belonged to other feudal lords. Piazza Santa Maria della Valle, with the parish church, is the main entrance to the town. Here there rose the Porta Santa Maria, one of the three historical doors which opened into the town walls; the door was demolished in the early 20th century, along with the Porta della Codacchiola (of St.Antony) whereas the Porta della Croce is still standing.

The people of Scanno have been able to keep alive their ancient traditions, such as the serenades, the festivals of the "travi" and "pagnottelle", the "Glorie di San Martino", the "mira del gallo" and, the best known of all, the "Catenaccio", a procession of couples in costume re-enacting the traditional parade accompanying once spouses to church and then, late at night, to their new home, accompanied by a folk orchestra. The Catenaccio is repeated every 14 August along the medieval lanes, to the light of camera flashes. Then, when snow falls and covers the town like the legendary mantlke of St. Martin, on 10 November three huge (up to 70 feet high) wooden towers are erected and lighted at sunset in the three "contrade", at Cardella, on the mountain crest towards Passo Godi, at La Plaia, in the valley near the lake, and at San Martino, just outside the town near the Grotta del Cavaliere, while the population gathers in the area called Sant'Angelo to witness the event.

Deservedly famous are also the lacework (tombolo) and crotchet work (blankets and tablecloths), as well as the little, hand-made dolls reproducing the female costume decorated in silver and gold threads to the smallest detail. Other glories of Scanno are the precious filigree creations (crosses, relic holders, jewels) and the traditional "mostaccioli" pastries, made with chocolate, almonds and cooked "mosto" (wine before fermentation is completed). The beautiful Museo della Lana (near the Townhall) is a folk museum reconstructing the identity of the town of Scanno and the Valley of the Sagittario river through the tools, the images, the home furniture, the wool working, cheese-making, leatherwork of the people of the area.