Overview
Trasacco, a village also celebrated by the English writer and artist Edward Lear, in a drawing enclosed with his 1841 volume 'Illustrated Excursions in Italy', probably arose in the early Middle Ages not far from the ancient Marso centre of Supinum. Its name may derive from the Latin words 'trans aquas', referring to its position in relation to Marruvium, today's San Benedetto dei Marsi, once an important Roman municipality in the Marse region.
The village developed around the Church of Saints Rufino and Cesidio, erected in the 3rd century and destroyed in 936 during the sacking by the Magyars, which was followed by reconstructions in the following centuries. Its origins are linked to the family of the Counts of Marsi, who lived in Trasacco.
Standing guard over the village is the Febonio Tower. Hear the story behind it: popular imagination also gave it the name 'tower of Agrippina' (or 'of Messalina'), as it was believed to be the empress's residence when she stayed in Marsica following her consort Claudius.
Unfortunately, this legend is belied by the sources: the first certain attestation of the Tower's existence is found only in the 10th century 'Chronicon Farfense', from which it is recorded that justice was administered there.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna of Candelecchia is also shrouded in uncertain origins and fairy-tale theses: experts are still wondering about its origin and its name, which may derive from various reasons intertwined with popular tradition, with the nearby spring whose waters have healing properties, or with the tall forest surrounding the sanctuary.
An ideal time to visit Trasacco could be in August, during the 'Ruette in festa' event, which takes place in the alleys of the historic centre, populated with wine cellars and stands, where you can taste local products and gastronomic specialities of traditional cuisine.
The event on 6 January could also be interesting: on the occasion of the Feast of St. Anthony, the village is transformed into an open-air stage with a theatrical performance entitled 'Mascaritte' along the streets of the historic centre.
During your visit to this village of fairytale origins, shrouded in mystery and popular traditions, you will certainly not be able to miss out on tasting the town's typical sweet delicacy: mostaccioli abruzzesi, locally known as Murzitti, made with flour and eggs and filled with cocoa dough mixed with chickpeas or walnuts.
What else to see:
- the Madonna della Pellegrina Monument
- the Church of Santa Maria del Perpetuo Soccorso