PACENTRO


Pacentro is situated in the National Park of Maiella.
It is rises on the hill which from the slopes of the mountain Monte Morrone overlooks valley from the East. Its urban planning is intact and the natural beauty of its territpry is uncontaminated, thanks to the richness of historical and architectural finds. Several archaelogical finds bear witness to the presence of primitive man in this territory while the origin and age of the first dwelling places are not precisely known but could be dated back to the VIII and XI century A.D..
Pacentro followed the historical events of Naples reign and many times it was a feud for which feudal vassals were rivals. The remains of the Castle which was built by the counts Valva are still to be found and lately the high towers have been restored and it will be possible to visit them soon. A seventeenth-century, artistic fountain which was once used as a sepulchral tomb can be seen in the square Piazza del Popolo, which is in the historical centre. In front of it, there is the majestic St. Maria Maggiore or della Misericordia's parish church which dates back to the late sixteenth century and has a strong stone facade. Among the churches, the Immacolata's is to be remembered and it is situated in the convent of Minori Osservanti (1589) where several paintings of good make and some of inestmable value can be admired. St. Marcello's church is the oldest of the village. It was founded in 1047 but further to a fire which destroyed it was then restored in 1166. Those who like the mountain can do many excursions, especially on the mountain Monte AmaRO (2795 M.) which is the highest peak in Maiella and on the mountain Mileto (1920 m). Grass glades stretch everywhere alternating with high forests which contribute to make the natural landscape extremely rich. Each year, the traditional gypsy race called " Corsa degli zingari" is organised during the first Sunday in september and its origin dates back to Peligna usage and custom.