Overview
Civitella Alfedena, in the province of L'Aquila, is nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
To stroll through one of Abruzzo's smallest medieval villages is to be captivated by the harmony of its 17th and 18th century architecture and the atmospheres of the center, which, among narrow alleys and ancient stone houses, tell stories of centuries past and invite you to lose yourself in their archaic magic.
The 17th century Church of San Nicola di Bari is dedicated to the saint thanks to the link with Apulia, which was a destination for transhumant shepherds, suspended between ancient glorious centuries and local traditions linked to the land. The Church-sanctuary of Santa Lucia is like a guardian that stretches its eyes over the entire village dominating Lake Barrea and the Sangro Valley.
But if the town enchants you with its ancient beauty, the surrounding territory will amaze you with its rich nature, intense colors and scents. Behind Civitella stretches the Camosciara Amphitheatre which is an unmissable opportunity for trekking lovers to experience what these territories have to offer. The splendid Lake Barrea is famous for the rich presence of avifauna: herons, egrets, mallards, black-winged stilts, moorhens, kingfishers and numerous other species. Whatever the season of the year, it is the ideal place to live in harmony with unspoiled nature in an environment of evocative emotions.
Telling a key aspect of this area is the Apennine Wolf Museum, which illustrates the ecology and ethology of this beautiful animal and the history of its relationship with humans and the Lynx Wildlife Area.
In Civitella Alfedena you can enjoy the simple, typical cuisine of mountain Abruzzo: from handmade egg pasta including chitarra alla pecoraia or pappardelle al cinghiale, to excellent main courses of genuine meats cooked over charcoal. Cheeses include pecorino and sheep's milk ricotta, cow's milk caciocavallo and Marzolina, a rare goat's cheese. Added to all this are other Abruzzese products from around the region, such as cured meats, saffron, sweets, honey and truffles.