Overview
Intense ruby red, a scent of red fruits and spices, and a full and harmonious flavour. These are the prized characteristics of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, which you can seize with your senses spellbound, particularly in the territory of Ofena, in the province of L'Aquila, which together with Capestrano is defined as the 'Oven of Abruzzo', due to a protected valley and a microclimate characterised by Mediterranean temperatures that ensure high quality viticulture.
But the blood-red king's goblet is just one of the many surprises of this charming town, perched underneath the crags of Mount La Serra, at an altitude of about 500 metres, at the high limit of the Tirino Valley.
You find yourselves in Vestina land, on the former site of Aufinum, located close to the three sources of the Tirino, at Collelungo, where a theatre, other remains of mighty buildings and the surrounding walls have been identified.
Do you agree with us that when there is an important centre that narrates the past, the visiting area becomes more valuable and interesting?
Visit its tiny historical centre, built around the year 1000, which still retains most of its late-medieval structures and is surrounded by the city walls, with the beautiful baronial palace.
Today, its built-up area appears small and delicate, but once upon a time it was a source of great energy, just think that the community with its best elements participated with the neighbouring towns in the second crusade of 1147, then the following events saw it depend on the Baronia of Carapelle and an integral part of the feud of Castel del Monte.
Admire the stone portal of Palazzo Cataldi-Madonna, the 12th-century Church of San Nicola and the 12th-century Church of San Pietro, known as the Church of the Caves or a Criptys, because of its underground passageways. It is only opened for specific events.
Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the vineyards, you will find the Pagliare, tiny two-floor cottages that served as shelters for people on the upper floor and as haystacks and shelter for animals on the lower floor, equipped with underground tanks for collecting rainwater. They were used by farmers and shepherds who, after the harsh winter, climbed up to the plains to cultivate the land and herd their flocks.
You can only observe them from the outside; entrance to the chambers is forbidden for security reasons.
From here, you can walk along the panoramic crest of Mount La Serra to the Grotta delle Marmitte, at an altitude of 750 metres: a geological "temple" formed by several cavities excavated by the action of water, which have uncovered artefacts and evidence of the presence of man.
Perhaps in Renaissance times, the shelter was also the dwelling of a hermit, judging by some fragments of pottery recently found on the site (all information on the park website).