Things to do in Ortona dei Marsi Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The canyon was created by the erosion of the Sagittarius River, and is one of the most important regional nature reserves in Europe. It was listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, and not without reason, given the particular flora and the wonderful fauna it possesses. It's the perfect place for nature lovers.

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.

The Hermitage of San Domenico is a small church located in the Municipality of Villalago. In the building there are paintings by the great painter Alfredo Gentile, depicting the history of some miracles. Inside the church there is a statue of the Saint, while on the right there is a fresco of the Madonna with the Child. The building was restored in 2012 and every 19 August it is visited by pilgrims.

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 Bear Museum is set up inside the structure of the Bear Visitor Center in Villavallelonga. The exhibition focuses on the life of the most beloved plantigrade in Italy. The Museum hosts temporary exhibitions and sections dedicated to children to learn, through films, the habits of the Bruno Marsicano Bear. Currently, the Museum is open to the public.

The Museum of Art and Technology Confettiera is located at the Pelino Confetti Factory and was created by Olindo Pelino. The factory presents in the machine rooms, relics, rare and precious objects. The museum also holds the recognition diplomas obtained in world exhibitions from the 800 to the present day. In 1992, the museum was declared a national monument.

It is the cathedral Church of the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva and was built in 1075. Initially, it was dedicated to Santa Maria, then, undergoing a couple of transformations in the twelfth century it was dedicated to the Patron Saint of Sulmona, San Panfilo from which it also took its name. In 1706 it was renovated in Baroque style due to an earthquake that struck it.

The Civic Museum of Sulmona is located inside the Palazzo dell'Annunziata. It was built in 1500 and covers ten rooms. In the first four rooms we find archaeological objects. Instead, the Art Gallery, located inside the museum, occupies six rooms. All the furniture in the room is very nice with furniture from the period. It houses a large collection of works ranging from the 13th to the 18th century. Among the artists we can certainly mention Giovanni da Sulomna, Giuseppe Simonelli and numerous others of the past centuries. Admission to the museum is free of charge.

The In Situ Museum is located in the municipality of Sulmona. It is located inside the Palazzo della Santissima, which dates back to the fifteenth century. The Museum presents archaeological finds and popular art and culture to the public. In addition, it offers a large collection of prehistoric archaeological objects.

The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art exhibits works that date from the twelfth century until the 18th century. It is located at the former Convent of Santa Chiara founded in 1269. The works present are both by famous artists and unknown artists.

The Aqueduct was built around the middle of the thirteenth century by the Sulmonese themselves, during the period of Manfredi. The building has a length of almost 100 meters and covers 21 arches. A lot of invested in the maintenance of the aqueduct. It has always been a structure that characterized the city, being put on the paintings and postcards of Sulmona.

The Museum of Transhumance and Costume of Abruzzo Molise is located at the Santissima Annunziata complex built in 1320. The Museum is divided into four sections: archaeology, medieval - modern times, the Roman Domus Hall and the Museum of Folk Costume. These sections contain sculptures, paintings, goldsmith art and popular costumes from the 12th to the 18th century.

Lake Scanno is located downstream of the village of Scanno, and is the largest natural lake in the region. The lake has a heart shape from some views. Here you can go for walks, and observe the characteristic local flora and fauna.

The Castle of Roccacasale dates back to 925. The building was built by the Count of Spoleto to protect himself from the attacks of the Arabs. It was owned by the Barons De Sanctis until 1803, when it was destroyed by the Napoleonic invasion. It is currently owned by the Municipality and is the seat of the Museum of Documentation and Popular Traditions.

The Cantelmo Castle was built in the 11th century. The building played a very important role in the surveillance of the territory. Inside the castle there were houses. In 1990, the structure was modernized. Currently, it is the property of the Municipality of Pettorano.