DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Pescocostanzo, in Abruzzo, is a small village of ancient origin which rises to 1400 meters high, in the heart of the Majella National Park.
It is part of the club “The most beautiful villages in Italy”, and it’s truly amazing. Keep reading on and find out why.
What to see in Pescocostanzo village
The streets in white and gray stone from the municipal gardens, following an uphill tree-lined avenue, towards the square where there is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle.
Basilica Santa Maria del Colle
The steps of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle are always full of people.
From there it continues towards the Town Hall Square, which is the cultural center of the village.
Here, especially during summer, they organize concerts, readings and events of various kinds. Walking, you will notice on your right, the small alleys where you can see an excellent view over the valley.
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In the Town Hall Square you can stop in one of the small bars for a drink, for example, the American Bar, where they also make a great homemade ice cream.
The Town Hall Square, pass the central fountain and go to the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, climbing on a rock where once stood the first nucleus of the country. From here there is a beautiful view over the roofs of the houses on one side and green on the other plots of land.
The village is a succession of craft shops, shops where you work wrought iron, art galleries and typical houses of 1500-1600, with external staircases and a riot of pink and fuchsia flowers that are matched perfectly to the white stones of the pavement.
Gizzi Bakery
During your walk in Pescocostanzo city center, you will get caught by a bakery which spreads a sweet smell of fresh bread. Do not miss a stop at the Pasticceria Gizzi, near the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and then you go in Santa Maria del Colle park, watching the view while sitting on a bench.
The village of Pescocostanzo is neat, colorful and peaceful. This is the place to relax, to live the countryside life, with its rituals and slow rhythms.
What to do in Pescocostanzo
In the evening, the lights of downtown seem to paint it in a warm gold color, illuminating the houses and the many churches.
Food and drinks
There are several bars and restaurants in the center of Pescocostanzo.
Restaurant Da Paolino, in the central Strada Vulpes, is one of my favorite ones.
For those who prefer something faster, like a sandwich or a beer, there’s pub Sui Domina, with a beautiful terrace right at the foot of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle.
Excursions near Pescocostanzo
Nature lovers can choose from many excursions, such as those in the nearby Bosco di Sant’Antonio where you can also horse riding, if you like.
It is indeed the first place where I rode a horse while I was a child. Pescocostanzo is part of the National Park of Maiella where different small mammals, deers, wolves and even the brown bear have home. If you are lucky enough you can spot one of them (but always be careful!).
If you stop for lunch or dinner, I recommend the restaurant Il Faggeto, in the woods. Mushrooms, truffles, fresh pasta and meat second plates are some of the highlights.
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Where to stay in Pescocostanzo
Featuring a traditional restaurant, the 4-star Hotel Le Torri is located in Pescocostanzo village, on the slopes of Mount Calvario. Set in a historic building, this property offers free WiFi and rooms with a flat-screen TV and Sky Gold channels.
Located 40 km from San Vincenzo al Volturno and 43 km from Majella National Park, Le dimore nel borgo provides accommodation in Pescocostanzo. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Set in Rivisondoli, Cipriani features a traditional restaurant and rooms with free WiFi. Immersed in a 20.000 m² park the Cipriani Hotel is a 3-star superior hotel. Guests can also enjoy discounted rates at a nearby partner ski school.
Nearby villages
You can also walk or bike to the nearby village of Rivisondoli, through a path in the hills lasting around 20 minutes. This kind of landscape is very peaceful and relaxing.
In winter, it is the perfect place for lovers of skiing, with the Vallefura lifts.
It’s a slow holiday, almost ancient.
But how nice it is to recover the time to appreciate the little things and sit quietly in a place where there is no rush and stress?
Oh, and if you go there, write me. I could be there too, one of these times 🙂
Where to stay in Pescocostanzo
Featuring a traditional restaurant, the 4-star Hotel Le Torri is located in Pescocostanzo, on the slopes of Mount Calvario. Set in a historic building, this property offers free WiFi and rooms with a flat-screen TV and Sky Gold channels.
Located 40 km from San Vincenzo al Volturno and 43 km from Majella National Park, Le dimore nel borgo provides accommodation in Pescocostanzo. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Set in Rivisondoli, Cipriani features a traditional restaurant and rooms with free WiFi. Immersed in a 20.000 m² park the Cipriani Hotel is a 3-star superior hotel. Guests can also enjoy discounted rates at a nearby partner ski school.
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