Corfinio between Antiquity and the Medieval Town Centre

Corfinio combines important evidence of antiquity with a medieval town centre and a vibrant local tradition. If you would like to combine history, architecture and regional characteristics on one trip, you will find various ways here to explore this historically shaped place.

Archaeology and Architecture

The Museo Civico Archeologico “Antonio De Nino” displays finds dating from the Neolithic period through Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages. The exhibition is spread across ten rooms with 43 display cases and is housed in a 17th-century palazzo in Corfinio’s medieval town centre. Visits are possible by prior appointment.

In the “Don Nicola Colella” archaeological park, the Tempio Italico is dated to the 1st century BC, probably to the period after the Social War. Corfinio’s archaeological heritage also includes the lapidarium with a collection of inscriptions. The building is modelled on a Roman structure with an impluvium, which was used to collect rainwater.

From Corfinium to San Pelino

The ancient Corfinium was the capital of the Italic League during the Social War against Rome and was temporarily renamed Italica. In Corfinio’s historic centre, ornate stone portals on houses and other buildings shape the appearance of the town. The historic Teatro di Corfinio had a diameter of 75 metres and could accommodate around 4,000 people.

The Basilica Concattedrale di San Pelino is a 12th-century example of Romanesque architecture in Abruzzo. An oratory on the right-hand side of the church was built to house the mortal remains of Pope Alexander I (109–119). However, the location of his burial was never identified.

Discover Historical Sites on Foot

At first glance, the Eremo di San Terenziano looks like a small castle or fortified palace. Its oldest part is a lower room that was partly carved into the rock. The hermitage can be reached via a ten- to fifteen-minute walk. The path begins at kilometre 88.700 of State Road 17 of the Apennino Abruzzese.

A spring is located at the Santuario di Sant’Ippolito and has long been known for the therapeutic properties attributed to its water. The site adds another traditional connection to Corfinio to the archaeological and ecclesiastical-history themes.

Festivals and Regional Specialities

The Festeggiamenti per Sant’Alessandro I. is a recurring festival featuring the traditional “Carri di Sant’Alessandro”. These are allegorical floats decorated with juniper branches. Specialities associated with Corfinio include ricotta fiadoni, amaretti, red garlic, preserves, pulses, olive oil and various products preserved in oil.

When choosing accommodation for your stay in Corfinio, you can align your daily itinerary with the main focuses of your trip: The museum and the Basilica represent culture and history, while the walk to the hermitage combines another historical site with practical route information. Prior registration for the museum should be included in your planning.

If you would like to combine Corfinio with other destinations, also discover Lucoli, Roccaraso, Castel Del Monte, Pagliare, Tagliacozzo, Rivisondoli, Sant'Elia and Camarda.

For the overarching travel overview: L-Aquila.