Bisegna
Bisegna: an enchanted village in the mountains
Bisegna is an enchanted village in the province of Aquila, in Abruzzo, with a population of 208. It is situated at the foot of the mountain range of Montagna Grande (Abruzzo Apennines), which separates the valley of Giovenco from the natural reserve Gole del Sagittario, and is located at an altitude ranging from 932 to 2208 meters. Bisegna borders the municipalities of Gioia dei Marsi, Ortona dei Marsi, Pescasseroli, Scanno, and Villalago. In 1999, it became an integral part of the area of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Bisegna is characterized by the mountains but also the unspoiled nature of the natural reserve Gole del Sagittario, where it is possible to go on excursions. For those who love trekking, there are trails of varying difficulty levels that lead to the highest peaks in the area, such as mount Meta (2242 m) and mount Marsicano (2245 m).
Hydrography
Bisegna is bathed by the river Giovenco, which has its sources on mount Pietra Gentile, officially 1977, and which is a natural tributary of the artificial channel of the Fucino plain. Fishing enthusiasts will find many opportunities in this area.
Origins of the name
In the medieval period, the village was known as "Visinium" (or "Visignum"), a place name probably linked to an ancient fortified center of the Marsi people and linguistically modified into "Vesennia", "Versennia", and finally "Bisegna".
History
Origins
The ancient village of Bisegna dates back to the Iron Age (11th-8th century BC), when the inhabitants settled on the heights of the valley, organizing themselves into fortified centers ("Oppidum" in the Marsi language), complete with dry stone walls, gates, cisterns and moats. All of this was related to the need to have greater defensive capabilities, probably caused by the arrival of new tribes.
In the municipal territory of Bisegna, such fortified centers were located on Colle Bernardo and Colle Arienzo, on the rocky promontory where the contemporary town is located, and also in the locality of "Le Castella", located halfway up the valley, in a position overlooking the church of San Giovanni.
This settlement structure was maintained until the 4th century BC when, after the second Samnite War waged by the Italics against Rome and the subsequent granting of the "foedus" to the Marsi (302 BC), more advantageous conditions were created that led to a long phase of political-administrative stability. For this reason, the populations abandoned the fortified centers, especially those placed higher up and more inconvenient, returning to live in the valley sites and on the slopes below and forming new villages.
The medieval period
During the medieval period, Bisegna was part of the possessions of the Conti dei Marsi family. Later, in 1287, it came under the control of the Kingdom of Naples, suffering the consequences of the struggles between the Angioin and Aragonese factions.
In 1461, Bisegna was besieged by Captain Michele Antonio de Jacopo. In 1503, the village returned under the control of the Conti family, but in 1528, it was hit by the Marsica earthquake. In the seventeenth century, Bisegna became part of the marquisate of Villasecca and later, in 1743, of the Kingdom of Naples.
Contemporary period
During the contemporary period, Bisegna experienced a strong depopulation, which led to the closure of schools and the disappearance of many commercial activities. However, the village has always maintained its traditions and culture, which have been passed down from generation to generation.
In recent years, thanks to the attention of the municipal administration, work has been carried out to restore the roads and maintain public buildings, as well as the creation of a youth center and a library.
Conclusion
Bisegna is an enchanted village among the Abruzzo mountains, rich in history and tradition. If you are traveling in this part of Italy, I recommend visiting it and discovering its natural and cultural beauties. It will be a unique experience that will bring you into contact with a bygone era and with a community that, despite difficulties, has managed to preserve its identity and dignity.
