Overview
Do you like medieval villages? Then don't miss the opportunity to visit Pacentro. This charming village that lies nestled on the slopes of Morrone, perched to guard the Peligna Valley, is the natural gateway and at the same time the heart of the Maiella National Park.
It is one of the most interesting villages in Abruzzo, with an extremely atmospheric urban fabric rich in medieval and Renaissance remains, including the 10th century Caldora or Cantelmo Castle. Fundamental in the control and defense system of the Peligna Valley, it consists of a complex of three square towers (14th century) arranged according to a quadrilateral plan, surrounded by a large moat. There are also three round towers reinforcing the outer walls (15th century).
Architectural beauties of the village, as well as historical evidence, are also the three churches of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Marcello and San Marco Evangelista. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore or Misericordia, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, has a 15th century structure divided into three naves divided by octagonal pillars. The facade, on the other hand, was built at the end of the 16th century, but has 15th century references.
The small church of San Marcello, one of the oldest churches in the town, built in the 11th century, has a fine carved wooden portal.
The Church of San Marco Evangelista, patron saint of the village, was once dedicated to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, of which it preserves an ancient fresco.
Also pay a visit to the Franciscan convent of the Minor Observants, which is located just outside the village and was built in 1589. The cloister walls are frescoed with a pictorial cycle, dated 1618, dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Next door is the Church of the Immacolata Concezione, in Baroque style with a single nave covered by a barrel vault.
The Piazza del Popolo houses a monumental 17th century fountain with a distinctive octagonal basin made of dressed stone.
If you are a fan of industrial archaeology, we recommend stopping by the old Pastificio Morrone, an 18th-century building used as a pasta factory from about 1890 until 1949 and now a museum of itself, with a display of 20th century machinery.
Genuine products and peasant tradition are combined in the creation of many of the village's typical dishes: sheep boiled in "lu cutter," gnocchi with sheep sauce, and "polta," a specialty made with beans, potatoes and cabbage sautéed in oil with garlic and chili peppers, which has become the symbol of an important culinary festival.