Rosciano
Rosciano: A Hidden Gem in Abruzzo
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a wonderful town, surrounded by Abruzzo's nature and full of history and culture? Today, I will take you on a journey to explore Rosciano, a commune in the province of Pescara, located on a hill in the center of the Val Pescara.
The Arbëreshë Community of Villa Badessa
One of the most precious treasures of this town is undoubtedly the fraction of Villa Badessa, the only Arbëreshë (Italo-Albanian) community in Abruzzo. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the Arbëreshë language and Byzantine rite were preserved here. Visiting it is like traveling back in time, through the narrow cobblestone streets and ancient churches.
History
But that's not all! Rosciano has a very ancient history, being inhabited since the Neolithic era, as evidenced by the findings in the localities of Coccetta and Piano Ciero. Furthermore, the Rosciano area saw the settlement of a fara (Longobards), situated on the southern borders of the duchy of Spoleto along the left bank of the Pescara river.
Several artifacts from the Longobard period remain, such as a worked bone comb and a necropolis in the locality of Piano Fara, but also several toponyms that tell of their presence in the territory. Moreover, over the centuries, Rosciano was under the rule of several noble families, such as Valignani, Filippone, Todesco and finally, De Felici.
The Castle and the Condottieri
One cannot talk about Rosciano without mentioning the medieval castle with its tower called "dei Paladini", built by the Normans. Over the centuries, the Rosciano fief was the shelter of various condottieri of the time, like Roscio da Montechiaro, Minuccio dell'Aquila, Giovanni Caldora, Giacomo Attendolo, and his son Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.
Today's Town
Today, Rosciano is a quiet town, surrounded by nature and rich in artistic and architectural beauties. Do not miss the 17th-century church of San Cristoforo, the church of Santa Maria del Colle with its Romanesque stone bell tower, and the Longobard tower. Also, pay attention to the land registry books from the 17th and 18th centuries, preserved at the town hall, which are important sources for the town's history.
Moreover, the fractions of Villa San Giovanni, Villa Oliveti, and Villa Badessa offer the possibility of discovering different aspects of Abruzzo's culture. Every year, festivals and events are held that celebrate local traditions, like the feast of San Giovanni Battista in Villa San Giovanni and the meatball festival in Villa Oliveti.
Conclusion
In short, Rosciano is a hidden gem in Abruzzo, which definitely deserves to be discovered and experienced. Among history, culture, and nature, it is an ideal destination for those who love to travel and discover the hidden beauties of our regions. I hope that this short tour has made you eager to set out to discover Rosciano!
