Acciano

Welcome to Acciano: a jewel of the Subequan Valley

Acciano is a small municipality of just 279 inhabitants located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. It is located in the beautiful area of the Subequan Valley, surrounded by oak forests and mountains. The village stands on a rocky spur between the Bufame and Pietre Fitte mountains, from which the imposing rocky ridges of the Sirente can be admired. The valley is delimited by steep slopes that reach down to the Aterno river that runs through it. The municipality's territory extends between 450 and 1303 meters above sea level, with a total altimetric excursion of 853 meters.

The history of Acciano

The toponym of Acciano derives from the Roman gentilic name "Accius", which means "estate of the Accia family". Over the centuries, the municipality has evolved and today is composed of the main town of Acciano and the hamlets of Succiano, Beffi, Roccapreturo, and San Lorenzo. In the onciary censuses (cadastral registers) and in the fire taxes (house taxes) of the 15th-16th century, the hamlets had different names that reflected their history. Of particular interest are the castles of Acciano and Beffi, which are fortified places that belonged to the Romans.

Acciano: treasure of the Subequana Valley.

The ancient settlement of Acciano

Archaeological visits have shown that Acciano has an ancient history dating back to the Republican age and the early Roman imperial age. In fact, several Italic-Roman structures have recently been found, including inhumation tombs, to name a few. These findings confirm the presence of an ancient settlement in the area.

The cultural heritage of Acciano

Acciano has a rich cultural heritage, in addition to its ancient history. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Cemetery of Acciano are both of great historical and cultural interest. In addition, the presence of ancient shrouds and galleries digged in tuff with mosaic floors, demonstrate the importance of Acciano in the past.

Tourist attractions

Acciano is an ideal tourist destination for those looking for some relaxation in nature. With its oak forests, the Subequan Valley, and the mountains around the village, there are numerous outdoor activities that can be done in this area. Moreover, Acciano is a great starting point for excursions to discover the natural and cultural beauties of the Subequan Valley.

Conclusions

Acciano is a real jewel of the Abruzzo region. The small municipality has an ancient history and a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. With its idyllic location in the midst of nature, it is ideal for outdoor lovers and for all those seeking some tranquility. If you are looking for a refuge from the chaos of the city, Acciano is the perfect place to visit.

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Friday, Mar 11, 2022