Medieval skylines & dramatic mountain views in Pacentro, Abruzzo

Pacentro, Abruzzo, ItalyI was out in Abruzzo’s Majella National Park last weekend picking my older son up from his tennis camp – an idyllic, cooler environment to enjoy a week of tennis.

On our drive back, we decided to stop off and explore the medieval town of Pacentro. I must admit, it’s the first time I’d ever heard of it.

Pacentro, Abruzzo, ItalyAbruzzo is an area I know quite well, so I thought I had already visited or had on my list of places-I-want-to-see most of the noteworthy towns.

Once I saw Pacentro, I realized at least one had clearly slipped my notice.

Pacentro is quite close to the impressive town of Sulmona (you can see my earlier post about Sulmona here).

Pacentro, Abruzzo, ItalyPacentro is 700 meters above sea level, in the heart of Abruzzo’s Majella National Park.

Pacentro’s history is closely tied to the Kingdom of Naples, to which the Abruzzo region once belonged.  Its impressive castle ruins, including three towers, still remain.

The castle was constructed in the 10th century – in 951 – by Count di Valva. By the 14th century, the territory had passed to the noble Caldora family.

2016_July_Pacentro5The town and its castle were located in a strategic position, and the town enjoyed relative prosperity, and developed as a social and intellectual hub for the region. The impressive Santa Maria della Misericordia church was built between the 16th and 17th centuries.

For more ideas of what to see in Abruzzo, see my earlier posts on visiting medieval Pescostanzo, summertime in mountaintop Ovindoli or winter in Ovindoli .

Pacentro, Abruzzo, ItalyPacentro, Abruzzo, Italy

Leave a Comment