Vicoli

Vicoli: Discover Abruzzo's Hidden Treasure

If you're looking for an escape from the city and want to discover a small hidden treasure in Italy, the Municipality of Vicoli could be the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Pescara in Abruzzo, this small village of 379 inhabitants offers an ancient history, fascinating monuments, and future projects that make it even more interesting.

History of Vicoli

The medieval village of Vicoli developed under the control of the Corva family in the 15th century. The surrounding territory was owned by the Aliprandi-De Sterlich. Until the 1920s, it was still operational, but then it was abandoned. However, in the 1950s, the new settlement of Vicoli was built on the hill overlooking the old village, called "Vicoli Nuova." The new center consists of a long row of houses arranged in a chessboard pattern along the main road, which also serves as a provincial road.

Discover the treasure of Vicoli: a medieval village in Abruzzo.

Monuments of Vicoli

Religious Architecture

If you're passionate about architecture, we recommend visiting the churches of Vicoli. The old Church of San Rocco is located at the entrance of Vicoli Vecchio and is a simple chapel with a votive icon. The Parish of San Rocco is located in the main square in front of the Post Office building and has a modern look with a square plan, topped by a spherical dome. The Church of Madonna dei Cinghiali, the most historically significant monument in Vicoli, is located in the Le Pietre district. This church is made of raw stone and was built where the Madonna saved a pilgrim from an attack by a wild boar.

Old Church of San Vincenzo Ferrer

The old church was completed in the 18th century in rough-hewn stone, with a single nave and a tower bell. Until 2011, it was the only monument in the old village of Vicoli to have been restored and adorned with the entire facade in Charcoal gray stucco. The church also has a stone rose window in the center of the facade in place of the classic Baroque window.

Vicoli Vecchio Village

The project for the restoration of the old village proposes widening the road and constructing a roundabout with a monumental fountain. The project also includes the creation of an Equipped Territorial Park whose heart is the old medieval center. The medieval center consists of some one-story stone houses and some buildings from the late 18th century, that is, the palazzine.

Things to do in Vicoli

Although Vicoli is a small village, there are many activities to do. You could participate in excursions that will take you to the Tavo river valley, the village of Catignano, and the Gran Sasso nature reserve. Also visit nearby towns like Pescara, Castelli, and Penne, which have many historic monuments, museums and cultural events.

How to get to Vicoli

To reach Vicoli, you can take a train to Pescara railway station. From there, you can take a bus to Vicoli that takes about 55 minutes. Alternatively, you could rent a car to enjoy the hilly landscape of the area.

Conclusion

Vicoli is the ideal destination if you're looking for a break from the daily routine and want to discover a small hidden treasure in Italy. With its fascinating medieval history, numerous religious monuments, and future projects, there is much to discover and admire in this Abruzzo village. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Vicoli and discover its unique and unmistakable charm.

Andrea Giordano
Updated Tuesday, Jul 26, 2022