Overview
In the northern part of Valle Roveto, amidst limestone rocks and lush green Woods rich in watercourses, lies the fairy-tale village of Capistrello: a little gem of ancient origins, full of cobbled streets connecting the various districts, to get lost in a pleasant stroll. Ideal place to escape from the frenetic rhythms imposed by the city and rediscover the special slowness, able to restore a unique inner peace.
Strolling through the streets of this stronghold, surrounded by the boundless mountain landscape, you will come across splendid buildings dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, mostly built by Benedictine monks, historical works from the Roman period, such as the remains of tunnels and Claudius's emissary, and others from the Middle Ages, in the hamlets of Pescocanale and Corcumello.
Behind Capistrello lies an important event, not only for the village, but for the entire region: during World War II, it was the site of the brutal reprisal by German troops, for which it was awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Merit in 2004. An important recognition to celebrate the courage and struggle of the citizens of this enchanting village.
Let’s take a look at some of the precious things it has to offer. The Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova, the patron saint of the village, still retains the layout assumed in the 17th century. The interior is in the shape of a Latin cross with three naves and a transept, and the presbytery area is raised a few steps above ground level. Outside, the gabled façade is covered with travertine slabs. The north front is marked by the presence of the bell tower. The Church of Santa Barbara, dating from the 18th century, was built on the remains of an earlier church building. The interior is simple with a single rectangular nave ending in a semicircular apse.
The Church of the Madonna della Contra, a small, single-nave worship building with a 17th century façade. Externally, a niche in the rural church houses the statue of Santa Maria Assunta.
The Church of San Giuseppe, built in 1962, with a longitudinal plan and a single hall interior. The nave intersects with the transept, giving the church a Latin cross type plan. On a decorative level, the church is elegant and well laid out in its furnishings.
Many traditional local dishes are linked to the festivities. Lasagne with fried anchovies and wild fennel are served at the table during Lent. Cultivated in the surrounding countryside is the Cococcia, a typical pumpkin that is the protagonist of the November festival. Cococcia, along with legumes, is one of the most widely used ingredients in ancient recipes such as I Ranati, a dish of beans and pork rinds. The sweets of the Christmas period are Calcionetti, sweet ravioli fried and filled with an aromatic chestnut and chocolate cream. Among the specialities of the area is the Roscetta della Valle Roveto, a type of chestnut with a smooth reddish-brown skin and particularly sweet, which is harvested strictly by hand.
What else to see:
- The Church of San Michele Arcangelo, mentioned in two papal bulls of 1105 and 1112.
- The Church of Sant'Angelo, with its pulpit slabs and 13th century bell tower.