Prezza
Prezza: Discovering this Beautiful Abruzzo Municipality
Located in the province of L'Aquila, Prezza is a municipality with 873 inhabitants and is situated on a mountain spur in the Sirente Range. Thanks to its privileged position, Prezza offers a panoramic view of the Peligna Valley, which makes it known as "the terrace of the Peligna Valley". In this guide, we will discover its history, legends, and places of interest.
Society
Demographic Evolution
The population of Prezza has always been rather small, but has undergone various evolutions throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was called "Villa Carrene" and was subject to the abbey of San Clemente in Casauria. In 1097, the family of the castle lords of Prezza at the end of the 11th century defeated a violent and rapacious Norman captain who ravaged Abruzzo and the coastal areas. Today, the population is just over 1000 inhabitants and is mainly dedicated to agriculture and farming.
Legends
According to legend, Saint Lucy of Syracuse is the patron saint of the village because a mule carrying her statue refused to leave Prezza, thus making the Saint the protector of the village. Prezza is also famous for the legend of a particularly beautiful and intelligent woman who managed to defeat a violent and rapacious Norman captain.
Sources
The historic center of Prezza is characterized by arches and underpasses and has the church of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, patron saint of the village, and the church of Saint Joseph, dating back to the 15th and 14th centuries, respectively. The Baronial Palace is another testimony to the medieval history of the village. As for the economy, Prezza is predominantly agricultural and pastoral, with quality products such as Montepulciano wine, oil, artichokes, red garlic, homemade bread, and cioffe (typical sweets made with potatoes and sprinkled with sugar).
History
The origin of Prezza dates back to the Roman Civilization, when the territory was known as ''Pagus Laverna''. In the Middle Ages, the village was known as "Villa Carrene" and was under the dominion of the abbey of San Clemente in Casauria. The medieval castle was one of the main fortresses of the Peligna Valley and guarded the access from the Cocullo pass.
Activities and Leisure Time
Prezza also offers numerous activities for leisure time, such as panoramic walks and fishing along the Sagittarius River. Thanks to its location, the view of the Peligna Valley is breathtaking and can be fully appreciated by crossing the plain "la Torre" and entering the Tratturo, the ancient transhumance road that connected to Sulmona.
Conclusion
In summary, Prezza is a small Abruzzo municipality located on a mountain spur of the Sirente, overlooking the Peligna Valley. Thanks to its privileged position, it offers a spectacular view of the valley and preserves its history through churches, historic buildings, and legends passed down over time. Ideal for a day trip, Prezza represents a small hidden gem to discover.
