Overview
A small medieval village in the province of L'Aquila, not far from Sulmona, perched on a rocky outcrop between the Gizio River and the woods, in a fairy-tale landscape... Come and discover Pettorano sul Gizio, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy!
What is special about this picturesque locality, with its characteristic gateways (Porta San Nicola, Mulino, Santa Margherita, San Marco and Cencio gates) and precious aristocratic buildings, is that its historic center falls entirely within the perimeter of the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Nature Reserve. A succession of oak and hornbeam forests scrub the elevations while imposing beech and fir forests embrace Mount Gentian to the striking grasslands on its summits. A complex and varied natural environment that holds an extraordinary wealth of biodiversity and represents a connecting corridor for wildlife exchanges between the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Maiella National Park.
Wandering through the streets of the village, you will come across its 18th-century architecture and the majestic Cantelmo Castle, erected in the 11th century, partially transformed into a modern exhibition facility for shows, temporary exhibitions and photography competitions and now home to the visitor center of the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Regional Nature Reserve. Another must-see is the charming Ducal Palace, originally the home of the Cantelmo family. A barrel-vaulted passageway leads to the courtyard, now Zannelli Square, where there is a fountain with plant motifs placed by Fabrizio II Cantelmo. Among the churches worth visiting there are the Church of San Dionisio, of medieval origins, and the Church of Santa Margherita.
On the other hand, if you are a fan of culinary and folklore traditions, plan a vacation in Pettorano for the two most popular town events: the Polenta Rognosa Festival and the Carnival Testament.
The Polenta Rognosa Festival is an unmissable Epiphany event in the Peligna Valley. Polenta, a classic example of a poor food, in ancient times constituted the only nourishment of the "charcoal burners" of Pettorano. The preparation of this dish even today is entrusted exclusively to men, because it involves considerable physical effort given the consistency that the polenta must reach during cooking. Strictly cooked in the copper pot, it is eaten sliced with a strand of twine. Amid music and dancing, you can also enjoy typical local products, such as pizzelle, crustole, mognele and chezzerieje accompanied by excellent Peligna wine.
The Carnival Testament, on the other hand, characterizes the goliardic holiday of the same name: in the afternoon hours, the Carnival character, on the back of a donkey, goes around the streets of the town reciting his will, disavowing the town's notables and authorities, and spouting off vices and misdeeds, public and private, in a humorous and satirical manner.
