Villetta Barrea
Welcome to Villetta Barrea: a small oasis nestled in the Abruzzo nature
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover Villetta Barrea, a small town in the province of L'Aquila, nestled in the beautiful National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise?
Physical geography
Villetta Barrea is located in the heart of the Marsicani Mountains, surrounded by black pine forests, with the Sangro River flowing nearby. But the real star of the area is Lake Barrea, which offers a breathtaking view with its crystal clear waters and the mountains as a backdrop.
History
The history of Villetta Barrea dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era, as evidenced by archaeological findings in the "Achille Graziani" cave. Over the millennia, this area has been inhabited by hunters, shepherds, and farmers, until the construction of the Benedictine monastery of S. Angelo in Barreggio in the 8th century. In the 15th century, Villetta Barrea was born as a new inhabited center, thanks to the revival of the livestock industry promoted by Alfonso V of Aragon.
What to see
But what is there to see in Villetta Barrea? Let's start with the lake, which is the main tourist attraction of the area: you can swim in its waters, take walks along its shores, or simply relax while admiring the view. But that's not all! The historic village of Villetta Barrea is very picturesque, with its stone houses and pedestrianized old town center. Additionally, visitors can tour the church of Sant'Angelo, which stands on the remains of the homonymous monastery, or the Ethnographic Museum that represents the country's pastoral and peasant life.
But if you love nature, you are in the right place! We recommend taking a hike to the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, where you can admire breathtaking landscapes and encounter different animal species, such as wolves, eagles, and deer.
What to eat
And as for food? Villetta Barrea boasts a culinary tradition that leverages local products, such as Navelli saffron, goat and sheep cheeses, and pork meat. Among the typical dishes, we recommend trying the chickpea and chestnut soup, polenta with pork stew and porcini mushrooms, and the famous Abruzzese "arrosticino". And to soak up the remaining sauce, don't miss the famous "pane di girù", made with rye flour and buckwheat flour.
How to get to Villetta Barrea
And now the question on everyone's mind: how do you get to Villetta Barrea? The most convenient way is the A25 motorway, exit Altopascio-Scafa, then follow the signs for Pescasseroli until Villetta Barrea. Alternatively, you can take a train to the Pescasseroli station and then a bus to Villetta Barrea. We recommend planning your trip in advance, maybe by checking the public transport schedules.
Conclusion
In short, Villetta Barrea is a small oasis of peace immersed in the Abruzzo nature that we recommend visiting at least once in a lifetime. Ideal for summer holidays, but also in winter, when the mountains become a wonderful expanse of white snow. All that's left is to plan your trip and discover all the beauties of this wonderful land!
