Introdacqua Among Churches, Mountains and History

Introdacqua: Valle Peligna and Monte Genzana

Introdacqua is located in the Valle Peligna, on a hill at the confluence of the Contra and Sant'Antonio valleys. The Contra and Sant'Antonio valleys are surrounded by the Plaja and Cerrone mountains. Its location therefore combines a clearly defined landscape with a path leading from Introdacqua into the mountain world. Climbing Monte Genzana opens up views of the Conca di Sulmona and the Morrone, the Maiella, the Piano delle Cinquemiglia, the Piana del Fucino, the Sirente and the Gran Sasso. Introdacqua is therefore particularly interesting for you if you would like to combine historic townscapes with hiking experiences and sweeping views across the landscape.

From a Pre-Roman Settlement to Medieval Landmarks

The first pre-Roman settlement centre of Introdacqua was located on the summit of Monte Plaja, at the site Antonio De Nino called “Piano della Civitella”. The megalithic walls of Piano della Civitella in Introdacqua form a fortification dated to after 700 BC and before 301 BC. The Dongione di Introdacqua is a medieval tower; its construction began in 1173. The historic bell tower of Introdacqua was built from local stone. The history of the town thus extends from a pre-Roman settlement centre through a medieval fortification to the historic bell tower.

Churches and Museum as Cultural Highlights

The Museo Regionale dell'Emigrante “Pascal D'Angelo” is located in a wing of the historic Palazzo Trasmondi and is recognised by the Regione Abruzzo. It explores the life of Pascal D’Angelo together with the history of emigration from Abruzzo to America. The mother church of SS. Annunziata houses Renaissance frescoes, an 18th-century painting of Saint Biagio and the relics of the patron saint San Feliciano Martire. The Church of Santissima Trinità houses the statue “Madonna Che Vele”; on Easter morning, four young people carry it to the risen Christ during the “Volo” display. Here, local history, religious art and the memory of migration come together for you.

Monte Genzana, Nature Reserve and Trekking

The Monte Genzana e Alto Gizio Regional Nature Reserve also includes Introdacqua. Apennine chamois, Marsican brown bears and wolves live in the reserve. A trekking route from Introdacqua leads through the Sant'Antonio valley to Monte Genzana and the Rifugio Forca Ristoppia at an altitude of around 1,800 metres. This allows you to experience the natural side of the town both through the reserve's wildlife and via a specific route into the mountain landscape.

Experiences for Different Travel Paces

A family-friendly donkey hike in Introdacqua leads from the forest to the castle. During the Fuochi di Sant’Antonio, each neighbourhood in the historic town centre prepares a bonfire, which is lit at nightfall in honour of the patron saint of animals. These two experiences offer distinct highlights: the donkey hike is geared towards a shared experience in nature, while the tradition emphasises Introdacqua's historic town centre and the course of the year.

More Destinations

Aielli, Collebrincioni, Civitella Alfedena, Cagnano Amiterno, Pescocostanzo, Corfinio, Civita D'antino and Rocca Pia

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