Capestrano is one of those places that slowly win you over. Perched on a hill that dominates the entire Tirino Valley, the town offers a wide and bright view of one of the most fascinating landscapes in inland Abruzzo. The historic centre is dressed in warm, delicate tones, while all around the countryside explodes in more intense colours, creating a harmonious contrast that accompanies the visitor from the first glance.
Strolling through the alleyways of Capestrano
History can be breathed everywhere, in the medieval and Renaissance palaces, in the imposing profile of the Piccolomini Castle that dominates the town, in the alleyways that invite a slow stroll through glimpses steeped in memory. The Tirino river, considered one of the clearest in Europe, rises at the foot of the town. Its azure waters, fed by three springs, flow placidly towards Bussi sul Tirino until they become the tributary of the Pescara river. Along the banks, a still intact riparian vegetation is home to numerous animal species, making this environment a true natural sanctuary.
Right near one of the springs, in the 1930s, the famous Capestrano Warrior, today the symbol of Abruzzo, was found. Among the springs is the Capodacqua spring, the largest, which gives rise to a crystal-clear lake known as the Atlantis of Abruzzo. At the bottom of this transparent body of water, an ancient submerged mill is still visible, its stones emerging from the deep blue to create a surprising scenery.
Capestrano is deeply rooted in its religious and cultural history. A feud of important families such as the Piccolomini and, later, the Medici, it was the birthplace of St John of Capestrano, one of the most venerated saints. On the opposite side of the town from the castle, the imposing Franciscan Convent can be reached via a picturesque walk, accompanied by rows of cypress trees that frame the path. The complex houses one of the oldest and most precious libraries in Abruzzo and its museum dedicated to the saint, where it is possible to see objects that belonged to St. John, such as his robes and the Bible, a gift from Pope Callistus III.
Architecturally speaking, Capestrano retains the typical layout of a baronial centre, with the castle acting as the fulcrum and a network of alleyways recounting centuries of daily life. Every corner surprises with the discreet elegance of the buildings and the ability to preserve intact the charm of times past.
The period in which Capestrano expresses its beauty at its best is undoubtedly spring, when the countryside lights up with the colours of blossoming almond trees and poppies, alternating with the vineyards that design the landscape. It is a season that is particularly popular with photography enthusiasts, who find glimpses and atmospheres capable of transforming each shot into a story.
There are numerous activities to do: from guided tours of the town and its monuments to outdoor experiences such as e-bike tours, horseback riding and canoeing on the Tirino river. On Lake Capodacqua, it is possible to navigate in small boats with transparent bottoms, to take a closer look at the remains of the sunken mill.
The gastronomic tradition completes the experience. Among local producers and restaurants, you can taste quality olive oil, Solina flour, an ancient grain still cultivated in the area, with which various types of pasta are made, and dishes based on trout and crayfish, true local delicacies. The square is the heart of social life: here, between a coffee, an aperitif or a glass of wine, the community gathers, especially in the early hours of the morning and those preceding the evening.
Capestrano is also a dynamic reality, among the first to have believed in experiential tourism. Over the years, canoe trips on the Tirino have helped attract visitors from all over the world, fostering the development of quality accommodation facilities both in the village and in the hamlets, often overlooking spectacular views.
Numerous events enliven the annual calendar, thanks to a very active Pro Loco and a strong participation of young people in the organisation. The main events include the Trout Festival, the Strano Film Festival, the Feast of St. Anthony and Christmas in the Country, with Christmas markets and the suggestive descent of the Befana from the castle walls.
A treasure chest of history, nature and traditions, Capestrano offers an authentic experience of the truest Abruzzo, where the dialogue between landscape and memory makes every visit an intense and surprising journey into the heart of the Abruzzo region of L'Aquila.
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