Pescasseroli

Pescasseroli is a small mountain comune (municipality) located in the Alto Sangro area, in the province of L’Aquila. With more than 2,000 inhabitants, the city is an important handicrafts centre and tourist resort both in summer and winter. The origins of the area are really ancient: legend has it that the town was founded when Peligne peoples settled on the Hill which was later known as “Castel Mancino”. Pescasseroli inhabitants have historically devoted themselves mainly to sheep farming, and the excellent results of the sector turned the area into a sort of capital in this economic activity in earlier times. As regards the name of the city, it is believed that it comes from Pesculum Seroli, which apparently meant “Emerging rock” in late Latin. The panorama that holidaymakers and visitors can admire from Pescasseroli first-class hotels and restaurants that have been wisely distributed in the small town is magnificent. Since its foundation in 1922 with the aim of protecting local natural richness, the National Park of Abruzzo has become one of the most prestigious sanctuaries in Italy. Fascinating tours around the unspoilt natural surroundings, picturesque walks to the source of the Sangro River and unforgettable days having fun on ski runs over more than 20 km that Pescasseroli offers to sport fans. Other cultural and architectural places of interest include the Abbey of Sts. Peter and Paul, built in the XII century, the Church of Carmine, dating back to the Late Baroque period, the wooden statue of Madonna Nera dell’Incoronata (Crowned Black Virgin) and the pleasing St. Antonio Square, the heart of the town life.