• Abruzzi

• Regional Parks

• Apennines

History and Culture

The richness of Sirente Velino Regional Park lies not only in its nature, but also in its precious heritage of history, culture, and traditions inherited by a past that contributed to define the identity of this territory and its community and whose signs are still today well-preserved and evident.

Further information

Archaeological Areas

If you love archaeology, but also if you would like to discover "the other side" of the Park, we suggest you to spend one or more days to visit the archaeological heritage making this Park a place of extraordinary beauty and historical value. Several evidences and important archaeological finds are scattered throughout the Park territory: the archaeological area of the ancient Roman colony Alba Fucens, Rovere Castle in Rocca di Mezzo, the Italic temple of Castel di Ieri, the archaeological area of Molina Aterno, the ancient Superequum in Castelvecchio Subequo.

It is recommended to carry out the visit together with the authorized tour guides. For information and guided visits, please contact the Park Information Points.

Castles, Towers, Medieval Villages

On foot, by bike, or on horseback. Choose how you prefer to travel, for one or more days, to discover the medieval traces in the Park, its well-preserved ancient splendor which is still visible today. Castles, watchtowers and defensive towers, fortified areas, walls with towers and bridges can be seen both within town centers, in their surroundings, or in isolated places.
The following places are worth a visit: Rovere Castle, Celano Castle, Gagliano Aterno Castle, the ruins of the castle of S. Potito in Ovindoli, the ruins of the castles of Beffi and Roccapreturo, the ruins of the castle of Tione and Fagnano Alto, the circular tower in Aielli, the rests of the fortified village of Goriano Sicoli, the fortified villages of Castelvecchio Subequo and Castel di Ieri, the fortified village of S. Iona and S. Maria del Ponte in Tione, the palace-castle of Molina, the fortified village of Fontecchio.

For information and guided visits, please contact the Park Information Points.

Monasteries and Churches

If you visit the Park, you cannot miss its religious treasures. Besides wonderful buildings and monasteries, it is recommended to visit, preferably on foot, the rural churches and the oratories you can unexpectedly meet along lonesome and silent roads, along the transhumance trails, or in the mountains. Their landscape context and their stylistic simplicity evoke a deep sense of peacefulness.
Worth a visit: St Mary Church in Valle Porclaneta in Magliano dei Marsi, the Holy Trinity Church in Tione degli Abruzzi, Collegiata di Santa Maria del Ponte in Tione, St Lucy Abbey in Rocca di Cambio, St George Monastery in the country hamlet of Goriano Valli, and Sant'Angelo Monastery in Ocre.

For information and guided visits, considering that not all the churches are open, please contact the Park Information Points.