Rocca Pia
Discovering Rocca Pia, a small municipality in L'Aquila
If you are passionate about mountains and small Abruzzese villages, Rocca Pia might be the place for you. It is a municipality located in the province of L'Aquila, a few kilometers from the Maiella National Park. If you want to learn more about this enchanting village, keep reading this article.
Physical geography
Rocca Pia has a privileged position in the high Gizio valley and is part of the Cinquemiglia plateau, famous for its adverse weather conditions in winter that often make it forbidding. In the past, many travelers ventured onto the plateau but then got stuck in snowstorms, such as three hundred soldiers of the Republic of Venice in 1528 and five hundred German soldiers in 1529.
History
The first news about Rocca Pia dates back to the tenth century when the Duchy of Spoleto donated the church of San Marcello to the Volturnensi monks. The village has had several names, including ''Vallescura'' and ''Rocca Valleoscura'', referring to its position in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains. In 1860, King Vittorio Emanuele II renamed the village ''Rocca Pia'' in honor of his daughter Maria Pia of Savoy.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the standard of Rocca Pia were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on November 16, 1994. The standard is a yellow cloth.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the most representative monuments of the village is the parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which dates back to the thirteenth century and was modified in the sixteenth century. The church has an imposing Gothic facade and a beautiful rose window, but the highlight is the Renaissance portal.
Events
Like many Italian villages, Rocca Pia celebrates various festivals and fairs throughout the year. Among the most important are the feast of the patron saint, San Rocco, which falls on August 16th, and the potato fair, which takes place in September. During the potato fair, local specialties based on tubers can be tasted, such as baked potatoes or stewed potatoes.
What to do
If you want to spend some relaxing time outside the city, Rocca Pia could be an interesting destination. You can take a walk through the historic center, visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and admire the view of the surrounding mountains. For those who are passionate about hiking and trekking, there are many trails that lead to the discovery of the Maiella National Park.
How to get there
Rocca Pia is about 45 km from L'Aquila, 105 km from Pescara, and 212 km from Rome. The municipality can be reached by car or bus from the larger cities.
Conclusion
Rocca Pia is a small Abruzzese gem that deserves a visit, especially if you are a lover of mountains and natural beauties. The village is rich in history and culture, and it is the ideal place for a day trip or a small vacation dedicated to relaxation and contact with nature.
