Overview
Massa D'Albe is located on the slopes of Mount Velino, in a magnificent position overlooking the ancient Lake Fucino.
Massa d'Albe is closely linked to the history of the nearby Alba Fucens, the oldest town in Abruzzo, a very ancient centre of the Equi and later an important Roman colony on the Via Valeria, of which the wonderful vestiges of a millenary history remain. Founded by the Romans in 303 B.C., it stands on high ground at about 1,000 metres above sea level, in the frame of the majestic Mount Velino, in an environment and landscape of great charm. The Latin name derives from the position of its settlement from which one could admire the sunrise (dawn, that is “Alba” in Italian) over Lake Fucino.
Alba Fucens was surrounded by almost three kilometres of defensive walls and four gates. After participating in the Second Punic War by sending soldiers against Hannibal, it was embellished with numerous buildings, some of which can still be seen today: the forum, the amphitheatre, the basilica, the macellum, the baths, the aqueduct, some temples and the sanctuary of Hercules, a vast area surrounded by a portico, probably used as a sheep market, too. The impressive statue of Hercules found inside the site and attributed to Greek artists is kept in the Archaeological Museum in Chieti. Along the Via del Miliario, the remains of an ancient Roman domus and a particularly valuable milestone depicting a gladiator fight are visible.
On a hill adjacent to the excavations of Alba Fucens stands the Church of San PIetro. Belonged to the Benedictines until the 7th century, it was built on an earlier pagan temple, more precisely Italic, probably dedicated to the God Apollo. The entrance to the tower with a portal, remodelled in 1400, dates back to the 12th century. The interior is divided into three naves and preserves a beautiful 13th-century cosmatesque style ambo in front of which is a precious candelabrum for the Easter candle, made of Roman column fragments and a 13th-century capital. At the end of the nave, another jewel is the iconostasis on which you can read the signature of the author: Andrea, a Roman master marble worker. Under the apse there is the crypt with the remains of the walls of the former pagan temple.
Thanks to the presence of Abruzzo's oldest city, one of the region's best known and most important archaeological sites, the village enjoys considerable tourist importance, but not only that. Its relevance is also closely linked to environmental enhancement as part of the Sirente Velino Regional Natural Park. It offers the possibility of long walks, hikes, rides and, for adrenalin lovers, paragliding in the warmer seasons. It is an ideal starting point for excursions and ascents to the “Gruppo del Velino”. The area of “Forme” was one of the sets of the 1966 colossal film “The Bible” directed by John Huston and played by George Scott and Ava Gardner.
The ideal time to visit Massa D'Albe is undoubtedly during summer. The village organises the “Festiv'alba” festival, with concerts, theatre and cinema in the ancient Roman amphitheatre and the church of San Pietro. An excellent opportunity to enjoy culture in a special cultural context of antiquity.
On this occasion you might also enjoy some culinary delights. We suggest you try “fettuccine” with truffle or duck ragout, a tasty braised wild boar “alla Cacciatora”, “ajo cotturo” sheep, or an omelette with “querièsime”, a typical local wild vegetable, or the “Croccante”, with almond and honey.