Pacentro (AQ) is a mountain borgo in the Parco Nazionale della Majella. Excursions and walks in the territory lead to stunning areas such as the waterfall del Vallone, Passo San Leonardo, the Grotta di Sant’Angelo in Vetulis, the Grotta di Colle Nusca, where prehistoric rock art in red ochre depicts a hunting scene. The borgo is enclosed by a protective wall which still preserves its ancient entrance gates. A walk through the historical centre is filled with alleyways and picturesque views, arches, churches, noble palaces with finely decorated portals, an ancient stone washing trough and a monumental fountain. The Preta tonna, also known as the “stone of scandal” is an unusual curiosity: a large rock hollowed out for use as a measurement unit for wheat, and when debtors did not pay what they owed, they would be made to sit there naked in public humiliation. Dominating the borgo is the extraordinary Castello dei Caldora which provides a stunning view over the Peligna valley. By day serene and fairy-tale, the atmosphere becomes magical, intriguing, almost ghostly with the evening light. Evocative traditional events include the famous and ancient “Corsa degli Zingari” and the historical re-enactment, “I Caldoreschi”. Pacentro is also noted as the birthplace of the grandparents of Veronica Ciccone, better known as the singer Madonna.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
