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[Val di Sangro area]

The river Sangro

The Val di Sangro is a land rich in millenary historical, cultural and archaeological traces, nature and environmental beauties, artistic and food-and-wine products. Here, nature can have a quite wild character and is protected not only by the National Park of Majella – which includes part of this area – but also by natural reserves with the habitat of animal species that are exclusive of this area. Thus, you should visit the WWF Nature Oasis of Borrello (where the spectacular waterfalls of Rio Verde create a particularly fascinating environment), the Natural Oasis Abetina of Rosello (where natural paths – more or less challenging – let you explore a rare wood of silver fir) and the Natural Reserve of the lake of Serranella (where many migratory birds rest). Crossing the valley, the traveller will be able to gaze at the variety and contrasts of a landscape that combines the imposing views of the calcareous cliffs of Pennadomo, Roccascalegna, Villa Santa Maria, Pietraferrazzana, Roio and Montebello sul Sangro, with the sweet and relaxing view of the lake of Bomba, an artificial lake created in the middle of the river Sangro and equipped with several tourist resorts. The special conformation of the landscape has inevitably caused the development of the human settlements in the form of fortified villages, with enclosing walls, gates and towers; in particular, a very interesting place is Roccascalegna for its castle, which has a spectacular shape that perfectly fits the inaccessible nature of this place. The itinerary that allows to discover the archaeological findings of this area leads to Monte Pallano, where the excavations brought to light the imposing megalith walls that used to surround all the perimeter of the crest to protect the fortified settlement of Pallanum – dating back to the Neolithic – and where you can find a good information centre. The area has a great variety of agricultural and food products, but its fame in the culinary field is due to Villa Santa Maria where there is an important Istituto Alberghiero di Stato (Public Hotel-management School) and that hosts the unmissable Rassegna dei Cuochi del Sangro (Sangro Cooks Festival); there is also a very interesting Museum on the old documents about the local Chefs that worked in the catering field throughout the past century.
You must absolutely try the porchetta, a whole roasted boned pork that is a constant presence in any popular feast; as a matter of fact, there are several entertaining events throughout the year. The Festival Internazionale del Folklore (International Folklore Festival) of Atessa is definitely one of the most interesting from an artistic point of view, but the rito delle ‘ndorce of San Martino is particularly fascinating and takes place in May, consisting in a pilgrimage to the remains of the Monastery of San Martino in Valle, in the Vallone di Santo Spirito. Moreover, there is a lively production of artefacts that represent an uninterrupted connection with the past and the ancient techniques for processing iron, stone, ceramic and wood – handed down through the past centuries – go straight into the third millennium.