This small Italian town sits at 940 meters in Gran Sasso National Park. Explore medieval castle ruins, visit a monastery-turned-research center, and enjoy local festivals.
Barisciano, a small town in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, sits at 940 meters elevation within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. You can explore medieval castle ruins, visit a historic monastery turned research center, and participate in unique local festivals. The town's location provides a cooler climate in summer and puts you close to mountain trails and other interesting sites in the area.
Location and Geography
Barisciano is located at 940 meters (3,080 feet) above sea level in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. The town is within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, which spans three Italian regions and five provinces. From Barisciano, you can explore various landscapes including rolling hills and high mountain peaks.
Castle Ruins
At the highest point of Barisciano, you'll find the remains of a medieval castle. These ruins provide insight into the area's defensive past. From this elevated position, you can see the Piana di Navelli on one side and the road to Gran Sasso on the other, illustrating why this location was chosen for a fortress.
Monastery of San Colombo
The Monastery of San Colombo is another important historical structure in Barisciano. Today, it houses a floriculture research center. You can walk through the monastery grounds and learn about its transformation from a religious institution to a center for plant research.
Local Traditions and Festivals
Barisciano maintains its cultural identity through various events. In August, you can attend the Potato Festival, which includes a unique donkey race called the "Palio degli Asini." This event showcases local agricultural products and provides entertainment for visitors and locals alike. On November 25th, the town celebrates the Feast of St. Caterina, its patron saint, with religious ceremonies and community gatherings.
Exploring the Surroundings
Barisciano is a good starting point for visiting nearby places of interest. In Poggio Picenze, 4 kilometers away, you can see 9th-century castle ruins. The archaeological site of Peltuinum, 5 kilometers from Barisciano, contains remains of a 3rd-century Roman city. For those interested in natural formations, the Grotte di Stiffe in San Demetrio Nei Vestini, 9 kilometers from Barisciano, are karst caves with underground rivers and waterfalls.
Getting There and Around
To reach Barisciano, take the A24 motorway from Rome to L'Aquila, exit at L'Aquila Est, and follow S.S.17bis towards Pescara. Public transportation options include buses and trains from L'Aquila, about 19 kilometers away. Barisciano's compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to experience the town at your own pace.
Historical Notes
The area around Barisciano has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Roman settlements nearby. The town likely developed between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, gradually expanding to incorporate surrounding villages. Barisciano played a role in the founding of L'Aquila in the 13th century. Throughout its history, the town has faced various conflicts, including an invasion by Amatrice troops in 1380 and a siege by Braccio da Montone in 1424.
