Cocullo: Medieval Heritage and the Ritus of the Serpari

Cocullo Between History and Living Tradition

Cocullo combines a town history shaped by the Middle Ages with an extraordinary religious custom. The medieval settlement of Cocullo was fortified in the 12th century. At the same time, the town lies in the valley of the Rio Pezzana, a tributary of the Sagittario. A burial ground discovered in the Cocullo area provides evidence of the origins of the region in pre-Roman times.

Historic Centre and Church Art

In the Rione San Nicola, Cocullo includes one of the oldest and best-preserved areas of its historic centre. In the upper part of the town stands a medieval tower that originally served as a watchtower and was later converted into the bell tower of the Church of San Nicola. The Church of San Nicola dates from the 12th century.

Santa Maria delle Grazie also brings together various periods of the town's history. Its façade is decorated with a rose window. Since 2009, the church has housed the statue of Saint Domenico di Sora. Santa Maria delle Grazie also contains 16th-century frescoes depicting the Descent from the Cross and the Crucifixion. Since 2004, the Centro Studi e Documentazione Regionale per le Tradizioni Popolari has housed a multimedia exhibition on the various phases of the Ritus of the Serpari.

The Festa dei Serpari in May

The Festa dei Serpari takes place every year in May and shapes the distinctive character of Cocullo. On 1 May, the procession for the Feast of Saint Domenico Abate begins in Cocullo, featuring the Ritus of the Serpari. During the Festa dei Serpari, the statue of Saint Domenico, covered with snakes, is carried in a procession.

The custom begins earlier in the year: Around Cocullo, the Serpari begin catching local snakes on 19 March, rendering them harmless and displaying them during the procession. The celebrations for the patronal feast on 1 May take place in Santa Maria delle Grazie because the sanctuary is still damaged. During the San Domenico festival, two women in costume carry baskets containing five Ciambellati, ring-shaped breads decorated with coloured sugar sprinkles.

Natural Areas and Hiking

In the vicinity of Cocullo, the Oasi Gole del Sagittario is located in the municipality of Anversa degli Abruzzi. It is a Regional Nature Reserve and Special Protection Area (IT7110099). In the same municipality, the Oasi Gole del Sagittario organises paid hikes on its trails with mountain guides, subject to advance reservation. In addition to the churches, historic centre and festival events, this provides nature-related activities as different focal points for planning your trip.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

From Rome, you can reach Cocullo via the A25 Rome–Pescara motorway. At the Cocullo exit, continue along Via San Maria in Campo towards Cocullo. Cocullo railway station is about 2 km from the town centre. When choosing your accommodation, you should therefore distinguish whether you want to focus your stay primarily on the historic centre, arriving by train, the festival or hiking in the municipality of Anversa degli Abruzzi. This keeps town sightseeing, religious traditions and nature experiences as clearly separate components of your planning.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

Collarmele, Villetta Barrea, Tagliacozzo, Cerchio, Cagnano Amiterno, Balsorano Nuovo, Foce, Pianelle

To the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.