Pacentro
Let's discover the Pacentro village together
Pacentro is an enchanting village located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo, and is part of the Maiella National Park. With its 1090 inhabitants, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the Peligna Mountain community. In this article, we will take you on a tour of the village and its places of interest.
The history of Pacentro
The history of Pacentro begins in the 8th century when it was donated to the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno by the Spoletini dukes. Throughout the centuries, the village has experienced moments of prosperity and has played a role in some important historical events. During the Calorrese period, the town became one of the protagonists of the fight between the Angevins and the Crown of Aragon for the government of the Kingdom of Naples. Later on, the town was ruled by different noble families, including the Orsini and Colonna families. In the 20th century, the village experienced various phases of emigration, but in the seventies, the revaluation began.
Monuments and places of interest
The Pacentro village is rich in monuments and places of interest, including religious architecture.
Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Located in Piazza del Popolo, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore dates back to the 13th century but was transformed after the Maiella earthquake of 1706. The impressive facade is in Baroque style, with three portals of which the central one is the largest. The central vault of the three naves is decorated with stuccos by Attilio De Chellis, with scenes of the Madonna's life and a central stucco of the Virgin in triumph. Don't miss the walnut wood pulpit carved by the masters of Pescocostanzo and the medieval bell tower with a spire.
Church of San Marco
The Church of San Marco dates back to the 16th century and is located in the nineteenth-century part of the village, just outside the walls. The facade features a rounded arch portal, surmounted by a star-shaped rose window and a sail bell tower above the triangular tympanum. It dates back to the seventeenth century but was modified in Romanesque Revival style in 1915 on the outside.
Events and traditions
Pacentro is a village rich in events and traditions. Among the most important festivities, we find the feast of San Marco Evangelista, Carnival, and the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate.
The feast of San Marco Evangelista
The feast of San Marco Evangelista takes place on April 25th, and it is one of the most important festivities of the village. During the celebration, there are processions and solemn masses in honor of the saint.
The Carnival of Pacentro
The Carnival of Pacentro is a very colorful and lively festival that takes place every year in the days before Shrove Tuesday. The celebrations include masked parades and musical events.
The feast of Sant'Antonio Abate
The feast of Sant'Antonio Abate takes place on January 17th and is dedicated to the patron saint of shepherds. During the celebration, animals are paraded, and fields are blessed.
What to do in Pacentro
In addition to visiting monuments and participating in festivities, there are many activities to do in Pacentro. Among the most interesting are walks in the Maiella National Park and the tasting of typical Abruzzo cuisine products.
Walks in the Maiella National Park
The Maiella National Park offers many opportunities for excursions, walks, and trekking. From Pacentro, you can reach several places within the park, such as Campo di Giove, Caramanico Terme, and Sulmona.
Abruzzo cuisine
Abruzzo cuisine is famous for its flavors and typical products, such as chitarra pasta, caciocavallo cheese, arrosticini, and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. In Pacentro, there are many trattorias and restaurants where you can taste the typical dishes of the local cuisine.
Conclusions
Pacentro is a village that offers many opportunities for visiting monuments, participating in festivities, and discovering typical Abruzzo cuisine products. If you want to spend a day in an enchanting place, surrounded by nature and history, Pacentro is the right place.
