Castel di Sangro

Welcome to Castel di Sangro!

Castel di Sangro is a beautiful Abruzzo town located in the province of L'Aquila. Known as ''Caštiéllë'' in the local dialect, it has about 6,500 inhabitants and overlooks the right bank of the Sangro River, in the heart of Alto Sangro valley. The town is famous as a tourist center, thanks to its proximity to the ski resorts of Roccaraso, Pescocostanzo, and Rivisondoli, but it also has a lot to offer throughout the year.

A lovely territory

The territory of Castel di Sangro is very suggestive: it stands on a wide valley, near the Abruzzo National Park, Lazio and Molise, and the Sangro River runs through the town. Many springs arise in this area, and many of them are located near the nearby town of Pescasseroli. The river then, after crossing the municipality of Castel di Sangro, flows into Lake Bomba, and then ends its course by flowing into the Adriatic Sea. The climate of Castel di Sangro is Apennine, with cool and dry temperatures during the summer.

Castel di Sangro: history, nature, and culinary tradition in Abruzzo.

An ancient history

The history of Castel di Sangro dates back to ancient times when the ancient Aufidena was located in the area, an Italic settlement dating back to the 7th century BC. In 298 BC, Aufidena was conquered by the Romans, and the area was included in the Augustan IV region ''Sabina et Samnium'' and attributed to the Voltinia rustic tribe. In the medieval period, the Abruzzo territory was divided between the two Lombard duchies of Spoleto and Benevento, and although Castel di Sangro was part of the duchy of Benevento, it was the Order of Saint Benedict, represented by the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno, that constituted the only real center of power in the area.

The beauty of the historic center

The historic center of Castel di Sangro is characterized by narrow streets that climb the hill and by many ancient buildings that testify the city's millenary history. Here you can find the castle, the civic tower, and the church of Santa Maria del Lago, all constructions that date back to the medieval period. Castel di Sangro also has a strong culinary tradition, known throughout Abruzzo and beyond. Some examples? The famous "salsiccia di Castel di Sangro", the Abruzzo melted cheese, and the pasta alla chitarra.

Events and festivals

Castel di Sangro is a very lively and animated town, especially during the summer. Many events are held during the summer such as the Salsiccia Festival, where you can taste the best local sausages, and the Sant'Antonio Fair, where the delicacies of the territory are displayed.

Sport and nature

Finally, Castel di Sangro is also the perfect place for sports and nature lovers. In fact, there are many paths for walks, bike rides, or horseback rides in the area, as well as numerous activities such as paragliding and sports climbing.

In conclusion, Castel di Sangro is a charming place where history, culture, and nature come together to provide an unforgettable experience. Come and discover this Abruzzo town, you won't regret it!

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Wednesday, May 18, 2022