Things to do in Celano Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The Tower of Santo Iona was built on a hill from the Counts of Celano in the 13th century. The structure, with a circular plan, was divided into two rooms: the lower one, at a height of seven meters, was used as a warehouse, while, the upper part, with an octagonal plan, was destined for the body on guard. At the beginning of its construction, the building had a higher structure, however, the historical events and the earthquake of the year 1915 destroyed part of its construction.

The Marsicano Lapidary Museum in Avezzano was created in 1888. Inside it we find more than one hundred tombstones dating back to the Roman period, but also to the medieval and Renaissance period kept in seven rooms where you can admire the wrecks of a glorious past.

Inside the A.R.S.S.A. headquarters in the city of Avezzano is the Casino of Caccia Torlonia, which today houses the Museum of Peasant and Pastoral Civilization. In the Museum, where content and container have equal charm, the arrangement of objects within the display cases does not follow chronological criteria or material affinity, but we have tried to group them according to areas thematic. Admission to the Museum is free of charge.

The Art Gallery of Modern Art in Avezzano was set up in the Orsini Castle - Colonna and exhibits sculptures, paintings and graphics acquired since 1949, the year of the first Marsican Painting Exhibition which later took place would be called the Avezzano Prize. Over the years the collection has been greatly enriched and today it is possible to admire the works of numerous artists. On the floor below the Art Gallery is housed in a Multipurpose Room.

According to scholars, this Tower is from the Middle Ages. It takes its name from the family who ordered its construction, the Feboni. It has a cylindrical shape and was used as a viewing point on Lake Fucino. Today it is slightly damaged due to the 1915 earthquake.

The Medieval Tower was built in the fourteenth century with the function of defense and warning in case of danger. At first, the building was part of a fortification which no longer exists today. The Tower has a square structure, which was accessed by a retractable staircase. In 1951, it underwent some changes: an entrance was opened at the base and a clock was placed on the façade. Today, the Tower performs a civic function.

Built in 1185, it corresponds to a defensive castle being built on a slope. Losing his function of time, he was abandoned. It has been restored lately. Today it is a theater with characteristic re-enactments in costume.

The Orsini Castle was built around 1200. It has a triangular structure with two cylindrical towers. After a long period of abandonment, the building was restored. Today you can visit only the outside.

The Piccolomini Castle was erected during the fifteenth century by Antonio Piccolomini of Aragon. The structure is very similar to the nearby strongholds, that of Ortona and Avezzano. It is currently open to the public and welcomes numerous tourists throughout the year.

Set in the lower part of the town, close to Porta Napoli, it is surrounded by a number of parks with beautiful fountains. Here there also is a restaurant and various sports fields. The Villa is set in front of Palazzo Emiciclo.

The Tower of Roccapreturo was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The medieval building is located on a rocky spur in a position high from the town and has an irregular pentagonal structure, 10 meters high. In the past, the tower was part of the territorial defensive system.

The castle of Retenga was erected during the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside there is a small church dedicated to San Pietro. Currently, the castle is open to the public and guided tours are organized.

The Grotte di Stiffe are one of Italy’s most popular kartisque phenomenon. Situated at the apex of the valley of Stiffe and embed in the various vegetation of the Natural Park Sirente-Velino, the cave can be defined a resource, or a cave with a water flow. The river accompanies the visitor long the 700 m tourist-tour and forms in the heart of the cave a spectacular cascade. Nearby you can find a restauration point, a picknick area, a camper area,a playing round, a naturalistic pathes and a souvenir shop and sale of typical products Tel. +39 0862 86142 • Fax +39 0862 86111 • Cell. +39 327 9728914 www.grottestiffe.it • info@grottestiffe.it