San Sebastiano
The Fraction of San Sebastiano dei Marsi
Hello friends! Today I will tell you about San Sebastiano dei Marsi, a small fraction with about 150 inhabitants, located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. This charming village is located in the upper Valle del Giovenco, within the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, surrounded by the beauty and unspoiled nature of the Apennine Mountains.
The History of San Sebastiano dei Marsi
San Sebastiano dei Marsi has ancient origins that date back to medieval times. The fraction is mentioned in some documents from the year one thousand. At first, the village was formed by two villages: one near the Giovenco river, where the church-monastery of San Sebastiano founded by the Order of St. Benedict was located, and the other in a high position. The presence of some Roman funeral steles, such as the San Sebastiano stele on display at the Aia dei Musei in Avezzano, suggests the existence of a Roman settlement in the area.
The Valle del Giovenco was part of the county of Celano and underwent the events of the Berardi, then of the Piccolomini, during the Late Middle Ages. In the woods of San Sebastiano and Bisegna, we can still find large stone markers worked with the Piccolomini coat of arms, which delimited the boundaries of the Marsican county.
The story of Gemma di Goriano Sicoli between San Sebastiano and Goriano Sicoli is still alive in the area. Gemma Spera, as the shepherdess born in San Sebastiano in 1375 was called, moved to Goriano Sicoli with her small flock. Her life was described in 1600 and then reported in 1738 by a local historian.
The Marsican Earthquake of 1915 also caused damage to San Sebastiano dei Marsi, but not comparable to those of other areas.
Monuments and Places of Interest
San Sebastiano dei Marsi is a small fraction but has many monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting.
Religious architecture
There are many churches that you can visit in this enchanted village! The church of San Pancrazio will leave you speechless with its marble portal and its Baroque facade. The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, also dedicated to Gemma di Goriano Sicoli, is a small but very interesting church from a historical point of view. The church of Madonna di Loreto, in Baroque style, is also worth a visit, as is the church of San Sebastiano by the river. Don't miss the Calvary chapel with its Stations of the Cross.
Civil architecture
If you are passionate about history, you cannot miss the ruins of the Marsican Ferriera, the iron processing factory built in 1843, active for about 40 years. This site will immerse you in the history of the area.
Military architecture
The remains of the medieval castle of Loe, located downstream from the old village in the Ferriera locality, are another point of historical interest that deserve a visit.
In summary, San Sebastiano dei Marsi is an enchanted little village surrounded by the unspoiled nature of the upper Valle del Giovenco, rich in history and monuments of great charm. If you want to discover the beauty of Abruzzo, we suggest you visit this wonderful fraction!
