Overview
Cerchio is a small Abruzzese village in the Marsica region, immersed in the nature of the Sirente Velino Regional Natural Park, where the green landscape stretches out and then rises on the reliefs that accompany the horizon line.
But listen to a legend about the ancient origins of the village! It seems that, according to some tales, the first houses were built around a theatre constructed by the ancient Romans to celebrate the coronation of Emperor Claudius. This wish of praise is linked to the fundamental work of draining the Fucino River in 51 A.D., indispensable for the quality of life of the inhabitants. Did this theatre really exist? We like to think that it was also a landmark for the surrounding areas.
The village had its greatest development in the Middle Ages, thanks to the succession of various lords, both from the Colonna family and the Piccolomini family. In 1591, it was the latter who ceded ownership of the territories to Camilla Peretti, sister of Pope Sixtus V.
A rich and compelling history has characterised this marvellous town, an important scene of the different centuries from the earliest times to the present day. This precious “safe” has more than one jewel to offer you. Follow us!
Of historical as well as artistic importance is the Church of San Bartolomeo, which you will encounter on your pleasant walk. Dating back to the 13th century, it is mentioned in the 1302 papal bull of Pope Boniface VIII. Of the ancient structure remain the 16th-century portal, some terracotta statues and a cross. We invite you to take part in the characteristic town festival that commemorates the event, on 24 August: the village glows and welcomes visitors with a historical procession of ladies and knights in typical medieval dress followed by flag wavers. You will not be able to desist from taking part in such an enthralling historical celebration, a brief leap into the past right in the heart of Abruzzo.
Continuing on your tour, and also in historical eras, we invite you to stop at the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie. Built together with the Augustinian convent, it dates back to the 16th century. The dominant colour is white, present on both the exterior façade and the interior walls, where paintings depicting the life of the Madonna delle Grazie are hanged. Inside the former Augustinian convent you will also find the Museo Civico, consisting of several exhibition rooms, where you can see artefacts of rural civilisation, local trades, ethnographic exhibits and a photographic exhibition of the Italian Republic, in an emotional and material narration of this territory and its people. In the basement of the building, you can also admire the exhibits of the sacred art Municipal Theatre “Nicola Calipari”.
In a village so beautiful and so rich in history, what do you think the culinary offers will be like? Excellent, of course. There are many moments to enjoy local flavours, especially during summer, thanks to the many festivals and fairs organised in Cerchio. The gastronomic tradition of the village is particularly linked to the province of L'Aquila and the customs of the land and ancient crafts. We suggest you try the “caciofiore” from L'Aquila, a cheese that resembles “pecorino”, medium-aged, soft and with a delicate aroma.
What are you waiting for? Cerchio awaits you with open arms.