Ovindoli
Welcome to Ovindoli: let's discover together this charming mountain village
Ovindoli, a town in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo, is an enchanted place surrounded by the Faito mountains, Monti della Magnola and Mount Sirente. It is located about 1,400 meters above sea level on the southern sector of the Rocche plateau, along the Sirente-Velino mountain range, ten kilometers from the Fucino plain. We are in the territory of the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park, where the Val d'Arano, the surrounding territories of Mount Tino (Serra di Celano) and the Celano gorges have been indicated since 2005 among the sites of community interest in Abruzzo.
The nature of Ovindoli and the Tre Nevi ski resort
Ovindoli is a jewel of nature, where the mountains frame an alpine landscape. The ski resort on Mount Magnola (2222 m) is part of the Tre Nevi ski area. Thanks to its high altitude, Ovindoli offers the possibility to practice both alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as numerous other outdoor activities.
The climate of this area is typical of the mountain areas of central Apennines, characterized by a harsh winter with abundant snow and a cool and dry summer. The climatic classification of Italian municipalities is as follows: Zone F, 3756 Degree day.
With this scenario, it is easy to imagine that Ovindoli is one of the favorite destinations for mountain lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
The history of Ovindoli
Ovindoli has ancient origins. Most likely, the first settlement developed in Roman times around the tower and the fortifications of Italic age, built to defend the passage towards the Vestini area and the Rocche plateau. Its ancient walled castle dating back to the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, together with that of Rovere (Rocca di Mezzo), had a control and defense function thanks to its dominant geographical position.
The village was destroyed during the social war between Italic peoples and the Roman Empire army.
On the origin of the name, some scholars favor the hypothesis that it derives from "Obinolum", with derivation from "Ovis" because of the pastoral activity that has always taken place here, since ancient times. Other historians connect the name with "Ovatio", intended as a triumph of Marsi and ovation for those who were deemed capable and deserving. The scholar Walter Cianciusi derives it from "Pascua ob hinnulos", or "pastures for muleni".
Monuments and places of interest
Ovindoli is a place rich in history and culture. Among its religious monuments, we can mention the Church of San Sebastiano, where a polychrome terracotta Virgin and a more than 2-meter-high San Sebastiano from the seventeenth century are kept, the Church of Maria (mother of Jesus) of Collemarciano in Santa Jona, the Church of Gesù in San Potito (Ovindoli), the Church of Madonna della Neve in San Potito, dating back to the twelfth century, and the Church of the Alpino, located in the public park "La Pinetina".
Among the civil architectures, stands out the Casale delle Rocche, a structure rebuilt during the 80s located in a mountainous and isolated area.
Conclusions
Ovindoli is an enchanting place, where nature, history, and culture merge to create a unique experience for visitors. The mountains, the abundant snow in winter, the outdoor activities, the historical monuments, and the religious and civil architectures make Ovindoli a jewel of Abruzzo. If you are looking for a place to breathe the pure air of the mountains and experience nature to the fullest, Ovindoli is the right place for you.
