Ocre
Welcome to Ocre, a municipality worth discovering
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a municipality that I recently discovered during a trip to Abruzzo: Ocre. It is a scattered municipality, located in the middle-low part of the Aquilana Basin, a few kilometers southeast of L'Aquila. The municipality consists of various hamlets and is part of the Amiternina mountain community and the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park.
If you love nature and mountains, Ocre will offer you breathtaking landscapes thanks to the presence of the mountain group of Monte Ocre-Monte Cagno, which rises on its northeast slopes. But it's not just nature that attracts visitors, the history and culture of the municipality are equally interesting.
Physical Geography
As I mentioned, the territory of Ocre is predominantly mountainous, with Monte Ocre-Monte Cagno reaching 2204 m above sea level. The inhabited territory is located on its northeast slopes and is crossed by the state road 5 bis Vestina-Sarentina, which from L'Aquila ascends to the Altopiano delle Rocche. The municipality is located on the northeastern edge of the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park.
The administrative headquarters of the Municipality is located in San Panfilo d'Ocre, which together with San Felice d'Ocre and San Martino d'Ocre, form an administrative triangle in the valley. There are also the castle of Barone d'Ocre, the monastery of Santo Spirito and the convent of Sant'Angelo.
History
The history of Ocre dates back to the twelfth century, when the fortress of Ocre was built which served as a fortified castle and inhabited village. The village expanded towards L'Aquila, giving birth to the village of Villa San Panfilo and the monastery of monks. In 1254 the castle of Ocre participated in the foundation of L'Aquila along with 99 other castles.
The castle was occupied by Braccio da Montone's troops in 1423, during the war of L'Aquila, and was again besieged and set on fire in 1424. The village definitively moved to Villa San Panfilo and at the end of the sixteenth century the feud of Ocre belonged to the Fibbioni family.
What to see in Ocre
Ocre offers many things to see and do. If you love history and art, you can visit the castle of Barone d'Ocre, the monastery of Santo Spirito and the convent of Sant'Angelo. The castle is located on a mountain that rises above Fossa, while the two monasteries are respectively located east and north of the municipality.
If you love nature and trekking, you can go hiking on Monte Ocre-Monte Cagno and enjoy breathtaking views from above. You can also take a walk through the hamlets of the municipality and discover the beauty of local architecture.
Events and Traditions
Ocre is a municipality that loves to celebrate its traditions. Among the most important events is the Feast of San Felice, which takes place in September and involves a procession that accompanies the statue of San Felice to the church dedicated to the saint in the hamlet of San Felice d'Ocre.
Cuisine and typical products
The cuisine of Ocre is based on typical local products, such as sheep's cheese and meat. Among the typical dishes are the timballo of potatoes and porcini mushrooms, the pasta alla chitarra with lamb sauce and polenta with beans.
A typical product of the municipality is the sheep's cheese "pecorino di Ocre", which has a strong and aged flavor. It is perfect to taste with a slice of fresh bread and a glass of red wine from the area.
Conclusions
I hope this article has given you a good idea of Ocre and its beauties. If you decide to visit this municipality, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. In addition to breathtaking nature, history, and culture, you will find a welcoming and friendly community that will make you feel at home. I can't wait to go back to Ocre and discover even more of this wonderful Abruzzo locality.
