Overview
Vacri is an ancient, or rather very ancient, soul. You can admire it at the National Archaeological Museum in Chieti looking at the bronze statuette of the god Hercules, worshipped by the Italic Abruzzo, especially by the Samnites.
It is a marvellous find that – together with other vestiges and structures datable to the 2nd-3rd century B.C. – surfaced near this village in the province of Chieti, in an area where an Italic temple stood in contrada Porcareccia. The site had its connection with the passage of the Centurelle-Montesecco drove road (a derivation of the L'Aquila-Foggia Magno drove road): here, other “votive inscriptions” – recovered and bearing the same date – testify to an ancient presence of transhumant flocks and a religious monument.
Today, there is only loose soil in place of that Samnites temple of prayer where it all began. But, right here, you can start your tour of the area, with a passion for archaeology and a lot of imagination.
You are in a beautiful location, 300 metres above sea level, between the rivers Foro and Dendalo and gentle hillsides covered with vineyards as far as the eye can see.
In the town and its territory – which during the 15th century was dominated by noble families such as the Furlani and Caracciolo – you will find numerous churches and all worth visiting. Through artefacts of sacred art, those churces tell the faith and pietas of the Abruzzo community.
Let’s start with the Church of San Biagio. It is in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, rebuilt in 1762 after the destruction of the previous building, with a façade divided horizontally into two parts and a single-nave inside decorated with polychrome faux-marble pilasters, Corinthian capitals, and a monumental marble altar with a painting of the Neapolitan school depicting the miracle of San Biagio.
As you can see, also the church of San Rocco has a single-nave inside housing the painting of the Saint healing a plague victim. The church of Sant'Agata can be found in the district of the same name, with a rectangular glabed layout and exposed bricks, a sloping roof and a central oculus on the façade. In addition, in Porcareccia, there is the 19th-century church of San Giorgio; in the contrada Maiuri, the church of the Purgatorio with its screen façade typical of Abruzzo churches; in the contrada Salve, the church of the Madonna delle Grazie; and finally the tratturale church of San Vincenzo Ferrer, located in the contrada of the same name.
Near Vacri, the “Fiume Foro” tourist area is a place full of nature, wellness and relaxation. It is a route of about 40 kilometres where – in the wake of the river that crosses the municipal territory – art, culture and gastronomy itineraries and excursions weave together.
Savour the typical cuisine of the province of Chieti, such as “maccheroni alla chitarra” seasoned with a mixed ragout of beef, pork or lamb, and paired with fine local wines “speaking” the universal language of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo.
And if you are fond of folklore, let’s come to Vacri in July: the “Vacrum Sine Portis” is staged. It’s a colourful medieval re-enactment with period costumes, shows, parades and tasting of typical local products.