Pescocostanzo
Welcome to Pescocostanzo, the beautiful town of L'Aquila
Are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and immerse yourself in its millennial history? Welcome to Pescocostanzo, a town of 1038 inhabitants, located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. We invite you to discover the beauties of this town, nestled in the Maiella National Park, with us.
Physical geography
Territory
We are in one of the regions of the highest plateaus in Abruzzo, charming green landscapes that extend to the horizon, with pastures that seem to never end. Pescocostanzo is located at an altitude of 1,422 meters, the fourth highest municipality in the Apennines, and is part of the Alto Sangro and Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia Mountain Community. The town is at the center of the Altopiano del Quarto Grande Basin, reachable from the Statale 84 Frentana through the Forchetta pass.
Climate
Pescocostanzo's climate is characterized by cool summers and harsh winters, with negative temperatures even during the coldest season.
History
Pescocostanzo has a millennial history that begins in the 10th century. The town proved to be prevalent over the surrounding centers from the early centuries, but had eventful relationships with feudal lords and religious institutions. In 1065, it appears in the bronze bells of the new door of the Cassinese Monastery among the direct possessions of the Montecassino Abbey. In 1108, the abbot of Montecassino and the prelate of the monastery of San Pietro Avellana, Brunone, gave the castle of Pesco Costanzo to Count Attone, the first lay feudal lord.
The city then suffered the effects of the Central-Southern Italy earthquake of 1456, which devastated Abruzzo, but offered the opportunity to change the urban layout with the influx of a massive colony of Lombard workers. The rule of Ferdinand I of Naples from 1464 allowed Pescocostanzo to enjoy freedom and prosperity. In 1774, the town became "Universitas Sui Domina", a community master of itself, redeeming itself from feudal rule.
Culture and art
Pescocostanzo boasts an exceptional cultural heritage. The town has seen great minds flourish: the philosopher and mathematician Ottavio Colecchi, the first and most authoritative interpreter in Italy of Kantian philosophy, but also the architect Francesco Paolo Michetti, the philosopher Giuseppe Ferri, and many others.
The use of the Ambrosian rite is preserved in the baptism ceremonies celebrated in the basilica of Santa Maria del Colle. From the splendid church of Santa Maria del Colle, to the basilica of Santa Maria del Colle, to the church of San Giovanni, Pescocostanzo boasts an important artistic and religious heritage.
Sports
Pescocostanzo is also famous for its ski resort, located on Mount Calvario. The ski resort is part of the Alto Sangro ski area and offers 20 km of ski slopes. But it's not just skiing and snowboarding; the town also boasts a nine-hole golf course, open all year round.
Food
The cuisine of Pescocostanzo is famous for roast wild boar, migliaccio, meatballs, and legume soup. But there are also other delicious specialties to try, such as pasta alla chitarra, porcini mushrooms, provola, and pecorino cheese. Many of the food products are zero km, coming from organic agriculture.
Conclusions
If you are looking for a holiday destination, Pescocostanzo is the one for you: a city rich in history and culture, immersed in a breathtaking natural scenery. Don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine and take a walk along the streets of the historic center. Come and discover this treasure of Abruzzo!
