Navelli is a town that immediately stands out for its position and clearly recognisable urban structure. It rises within a wide and bright plain, characterised by an orderly agricultural landscape, from which the town emerges clearly thanks to its vertical development. The village lies along a slope, gradually increasing in height, as if naturally accompanying the eye upwards.
Strolling through the alleyways of navelli
As you approach, Navelli appears compact and cosy. Access is from the town's lowest square, the heart of daily life and the site of the main services. This is where the route into the historic centre begins, an itinerary that climbs uphill and invites a slow and conscious visit.
Navelli is a town that is discovered by climbing. The urban network is made up of narrow alleys, steps and narrow passages connecting the different levels of the town. As one proceeds upwards, one's gaze opens onto the plain below, offering increasingly broader views of the agricultural landscape surrounding the village. Narrow streets, narrow doorways and small squares punctuate the pace of the visit, until we reach the highest part of the village, where we find Palazzo Santucci, Navelli's main historical and architectural landmark.
From the top of the village, it is possible to take a downhill path that follows the ancient route of a sheep-track. This path leads towards the countryside and connects Navelli to the hamlet of Civitaretenga, crossing an area that tells of the deep bond between the village and its land.
Navelli, however, is not just a place to observe, it is also a place to savour.
The village is known throughout the world for the production of the finest saffron, an excellence that stems from a centuries-old tradition handed down from generation to generation. Even today, the harvesting is still done strictly by hand in November, when at dawn the fields are tinged with purple and the farmers patiently harvest the flowers, which are then processed according to ancient methods.
Every year, the village gathers around this collective ritual, in which many visitors also participate, attracted by the authentic atmosphere of the harvest days. Saffron is the protagonist of the local cuisine and can be tasted in restaurants, as well as celebrated during the Sagra dei Ceci e dello Zafferano, which takes place in August. This popular event combines a rich food and wine offer, with typical dishes based on chickpeas and saffron, with moments of festivity and popular tradition, including the characteristic Palio degli Asini (Donkey Race), which enlivens the streets of the town and involves the entire community.
Over time, original uses have also sprung up around this precious spice: not only traditional dishes, but also a saffron liqueur and even handmade soaps. Today, saffron is the identity symbol of Navelli and the neighbouring villages. For those wishing to learn more, a visit to the Cooperativa Altopiano di Navelli is the ideal opportunity to discover the secrets of this excellent product up close.
The link with the land remains central to the village's life. In addition to saffron, Navelli is known for the production of chickpeas, another PDO and Slow Food product, and wine, which contribute to defining an area rich in scents and flavours.
Navelli, however, is not just a place to observe, it is also a place to savour.
The village is known throughout the world for the production of the finest saffron, an excellence that stems from a centuries-old tradition handed down from generation to generation. Even today, the harvesting is still done strictly by hand in November, when at dawn the fields are tinged with purple and the farmers patiently harvest the flowers, which are then processed according to ancient methods.
From the top of the hamlet, the views over the plain are wide and impressive, especially at sunset, when the light renders all the stillness of the landscape.
Navelli is also an ideal place to stay, thanks to carefully designed B&Bs, where warmth and attention to furnishings offer warmth and comfort of all kinds. In the evening, the town becomes particularly charming. After a good glass of wine, let yourself be guided through a beautiful walk through the silent alleys, breathing in the intimate atmosphere of the village and rediscovering the charm of time passing unhurriedly.
Navelli's strategic location makes it possible to reach the area's most emblematic places in a short time, either by car or by more sustainable means such as e-bikes, thanks to the presence of an electric bike station, where guided tours to the area's most interesting places depart. Navelli can thus be discovered, step by step, amidst architecture, landscape and flavours, offering visitors an authentic experience deeply rooted in the territory.
The Loggia di Federico apartment represents an elegant fusion of history and modern comfort, situated in the beating heart of the medieval village of Navelli, famous for the production of prized L'Aquila saffron. The structure is distinguished by its characteristic covered loggia which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the plain below and the…
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Strategically located along the SS17, the Crocus restaurant in Navelli is a must-visit for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the authentic flavours of L'Aquila's Abruzzo region. The simple and welcoming atmosphere complements a cuisine that proudly celebrates local produce, with a focus on P.D.O. saffron and chickpeas from…
View moreThe village of Civitaretenga developed on the top of the hill, around the ruins of the original village, preserving the imprint of the typical tower houses. In the historical centre, Via Guidea, formerly called Via Giudea, is of particular interest, bearing witness to the presence of a small Jewish ghetto from the 13th to the 16th century. This...
View moreThe Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, located at the entrance to the village of Navelli along the road leading to the historic centre, dates back to the 15th-16th century and was built as a chapel dedicated to the cult of the Virgin Mary at a strategic crossing point. The façade, simple and linear, has a gabled profile...
View moreThe Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built after the 18th century earthquake, features Baroque forms both in its structure and interior decoration. Inside, the monumental Baroque organ on a wooden complex by Adriano Fedeli della Rocchetta di Camerino stands out. Six side altars, as well as the high altar, bear stuccoes with the coats of arms of the...
View moreAmong natural panoramas, hidden lakes and rocky plateaus, the Piana di Navelli opens up like a picture in which small villages blend harmoniously with the landscape. Along the ancient sheep-track that connected L'Aquila to Foggia, stands the Church of the Madonna del Campo, an example of pastoral architecture linked to transhumance. Built...
View moreAmong the picturesque hills of the Navelli plain stands the rural church of Santa Maria in Cerulis, built on an ancient pagan cult site with Lombard traces. Originally intended as a resting place for shepherds during the transhumance, the structure blends into the landscape and conveys a sense of...
View moreThe Church of San Sebastiano, parish church of Navelli, stands on the remains of the ancient medieval castle-city, below the baronial palace that dominates the village. The façade, hidden by the surrounding buildings, reveals an elegant 16th-century wooden portal leading to the nave. Built in 1631, the church presents a late Baroque style...
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Experiential Excursions
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From the heart of Navelli, take a cart track that crosses the plateau to Collepietro, a symbolic gateway between Gran Sasso and Maiella. It then descends towards San Benedetto in Perillis.
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A large cycling tourism loop of over 140 km through 15 villages. Cycling through the plateaus, valleys and villages of the Abruzzo Apennines allows you to observe the territory with an attentive look at the people who inhabit it. Along the route you meet local realities and inhabitants who share experiences and stories. The...
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Walking through the landscapes of the Gran Sasso National Park means crossing villages, paths and the stories of those who live in these places. The excursion becomes a moment of encounter with farmers, artisans and inhabitants who recount life choices and links with the territory. The slow pace favours a sustainable discovery, made of...
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Ceramica Castillo di Navelli is a craft workshop where the Italian ceramic tradition takes shape in unique pieces for domestic and ornamental use. Rooted in the centuries-old culture of Abruzzo majolica, each creation is born of passion, manual skill and love for clay. Here the earth becomes art, with surfaces that...
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The main purpose of the Silvio Salvatore Sarra Foundation is to protect, preserve and disseminate the culture and traditions of Civitaretenga and Navelli. Since 2010, it has managed the "Sala dei Ricordi" (Hall of Memories) museum area, dedicated to the two activities that characterised the rural development of the Navelli area: sheep farming and...
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The cooperative packages and sells pure saffron in threads and powder all over the world. The cooperative was established on 7 April 1971 by Silvio Salvatore Sarra with the aim of saving the saffron that has been produced on the Navelli Plateau since 1200. After winning first place in the World...
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The Consortium protects and promotes L'Aquila Saffron PDO, a unique treasure of history, territory and agricultural tradition. It enhances local production, offering economic opportunities and supporting communities in inland areas. Member producers guarantee quality and authenticity, distinguishing real saffron from non-certified products. The consortium disseminates...
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Former Convent of St. Anthony at Civitaretenga, hamlet of Navelli (AQ), along the Regio Tratturo route
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Zufran Finissimo is a unique liqueur made with the precious Zafferano dell'Aquila DOP, a symbol of Abruzzo's excellence. Its intense and refined flavour encapsulates the unmistakable aroma of saffron, making it perfect as a digestive or an ingredient for cocktails and gourmet desserts. Each sip celebrates the tradition and quality of the territory, the fruit of the...
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Our accommodation offers a rentable room with a kitchenette and dining area, complete with shower. The flat is equipped with two single beds, a double sofa bed, a cot and a changing table, and there is also a comfortable sofa bed available if needed. In addition, to facilitate the transport of people,...
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The CantinArte company is based in Navelli (AQ) where it has Pecorino and Pinot Grigio vineyards and vinifies its grapes in an ancient structure dating back to the 1800s. CantinArte loves to receive and host people for wine and oil tastings, lunches and dinners, but also by letting them stay in rooms...
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“A Casa di Franco” is ready to welcome you to the historic village of Civitaretenga, a hamlet of Navelli, perfect for those seeking an authentic and peaceful stay in the heart of rural Abruzzo. The house, finely restored after the earthquake, offers warm and comfortable spaces on two levels, ideal for families or friends in...
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In the heart of Navelli, hides the Grottino, a small space carved into the stone that smells of history and silence. Once a refuge and workplace, today it is an intimate window on the most authentic soul of the town. Between ancient walls and soft light, the Grottino recounts daily gestures and flavours...
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Abruzzo Segreto, founded by Francesca Ardizzola in the medieval village of Navelli, was born out of her desire to bring the authenticity of Abruzzo to the world. After living in the city for a long time, Francesca chose to move to Navelli, buying a 19th-century mansion that has become the heart of her bed and breakfast.
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Our B&B is located in the heart of beautiful Navelli, a hidden corner of our region, where tranquillity and the beauty of unspoilt nature blend with tradition. We offer a peaceful and regenerating stay, far from the daily chaos, but close to the historical and cultural treasures of Abruzzo. The rooms,...
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The Antica Taverna di Navelli is a dream born of passion and love for good food. Founded in 2008 by Daniele and Gabriella, our tavern is the fruit of years of experience in the sector, with the intention of rediscovering the authentic flavours of the territory, but with a touch of...
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