Overview
A pleasant village on the shores of Lake Barrea, in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, on the southern slopes of Mount Mattone, Villetta Barrea is immersed in a suggestive natural environment in which the beautiful black pine forest stands out.
The remains of polygonal walls visible near the Fonte Regina district attest to its origins as a Samnite centre. The present village developed around a small 14th century castle erected in the upper part of the village, of which the base of a circular defensive tower, part of the original fortification, is still visible. The tower houses a three-storey museum, characterised by a finely curated layout that narrates the main historical and artistic events of the village. As you leave this dive into the past, you will find a splendid panoramic terrace where you can admire the valley surrounding Villetta Barrea.
The many noble houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries are also interesting, but we recommend you do not miss two distinctive museums, the Water Museum and the Museum of Transhumance.
The Water Museum is located inside an old mill, right in the heart of the village, dating back to the 15th century. You will learn about the importance of water, through the narration of its life cycle and history, accompanied by specific details on the Sangro River. But not only: as you proceed, you will be able to peek at the tools and utensils of daily life typical of the miller's trade, a collection of archive documents and historical photographs that tell the story of the mill, the fulling mill and the electrical control unit and objects for wool processing.
The Museum of Transhumance, located inside an ancient sheepfold, will tell you the history of transhumance offering an exhibition of pastoral equipment, photographs and historical publications, bas-reliefs and artistic and artisanal artefacts.
A tourist centre with a very pleasant appearance, well cared for and equipped for a peaceful holiday in contact with the nature of the Park, Villetta Barrea will attract you thanks to its great variety of proposals, ranging from handicrafts to typical products, from a traditional gastronomy in which genuine flavours are rediscovered to an interesting activity of welcoming and healthy entertainment, but also of cultural proposals and events linked to local traditions.