Castellafiume
Welcome to Castellafiume!
Hello everyone! Today we want to take you on a discovery of Castellafiume, a charming town in Abruzzo, located in the province of L'Aquila. Just over a thousand people live here and its history is rich in events and interesting characters. Let's start with the physical geography.
Physical geography
Castellafiume is located at about 840 meters above sea level, at the foot of Mount Aurunzo, on the northern slope of the Nerfa valley, in Marsica. The Liri River flows through the town, contributing to the natural beauty of the area. The hamlet of Pagliara dei Marsi is about four kilometers from the town center and is home to only a few dozen people. On the slopes of Mount Girifalco, you can find the ruins of the castle of Pagliara, an interesting tourist destination.
History
We were eager to tell you about the history! The name Castellafiume derives from the Latin "Castrum fluminis," meaning a castle on the Liri, located at the confluence with the Rio Sonno stream. According to the famous historian Muzio Febonio, the castle was built near a chapel dedicated to Benedict of Nursia in the locality of Pascusano. In the twelfth century, the town became a populated center of some importance, so much so that in the Catalogus baronum, it is cited as a fiefdom of four knights. In the fourteenth century, Castellafiume passed to the Orsini family and then to the Colonna family. In 1830, the town obtained administrative autonomy, also including the small hamlet of Pagliara dei Marsi.
Art and traditions
Castellafiume is a place full of charm, with its narrow streets, ancient churches, and castle ruins being just a few examples of its beauty. Among the most significant churches, there is that of San Nicola, dating back to the twelfth century and dedicated to the patron saint of the town. A visit to the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Scurcola Marsicana is also worth mentioning, as it dates back to the thirteenth century and is adorned with valuable works of art.
Regarding local traditions, we cannot fail to mention the Feast of San Nicola, which takes place every year in May and includes processions, fireworks, and many typical dishes. The Carnival of Castellafiume is also very famous, with masks, parades, and fun.
What to see in the surroundings
If you find yourself in Castellafiume, you cannot miss a visit to some of the most suggestive places in the surrounding area. To the south of the town, there is the territory of Capistrello, which offers many opportunities for excursions, in search of small hidden treasures. To the north, however, there is the village of Cappadocia, where you can admire the ruins of the Orsini castle and enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere. To the east, the village of Corcumello will amaze you with its magnificent view of the mountains and the Liri valley. Finally, to the west, the tourist resort of Camporotondo (Cappadocia) will give you moments of true relaxation in contact with nature.
Conclusions
Here we are at the end of our journey to discover Castellafiume! We hope that this brief guide has been useful in appreciating the beauties of this town in L'Aquila, which has a lot to offer visitors. We invite you to come and visit us here, to breathe clean air and admire the beauty of the surrounding territory. You won't regret it!
