Magliano de' Marsi: Nature, Trails and Churches

The area around Magliano de' Marsi lies in the Piani Palentini and is dominated by the Monte Velino massif. Its mountain area is located in the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park, which also includes the Monte Velino Nature Reserve. This makes it a destination where nature, trails and sacred heritage form different focal points for an individually planned trip to Italy.

Nature and Trails on Monte Velino

A nature trail leads from the Centro Visita Monte Velino to Monte lo Pago; it is just under 2,000 metres long. The visitor centre provides information about the reserve in a reception and information hall with models, dioramas, display panels, showcases and photographs. Its CITES depository contains more than 500 stuffed birds from Europe and Italy; all belong to rare and endangered species.

The visitor centre of the Monte Velino Oriented Nature Reserve has been adapted for visitors with motor and sensory disabilities. Use of the Monte Velino Oriented Reserve area is restricted to officially marked trails shown on the official map of the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. The Anello dell’84 is a trekking route in Magliano de' Marsi. The Monte Velino Oriented Nature Reserve can be reached via the Autostrada dei Parchi (A24/A25), taking the Magliano dei Marsi exit.

Churches, Frescoes and Regional History

The lower part of the façade of the Chiesa di S. Lucia preserves three portals with pointed arches dating from the 14th century. The church may have originated in the mid-13th century. The Chiesa e il Convento di San Domenico date from the 14th century; San Domenico has a single-nave interior with a wooden pulpit in the Dominican style.

The earliest records of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta date from the mid-11th century. A pulpit and a ciborium dating from 1150, attributed to the master Nicodemo, have been preserved there. Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta lies outside the settlement of Rosciolo at the foot of Monte Velino, on the road leading to the trailheads. Visits must be booked with Signora Costanza, the custodian who lives in Rosciolo; she will be picked up for this purpose.

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Rosciolo preserves a 13th-century portal. Its façade was created in 1446 by the Aquilan masters Giovanni and Martino. The Chiesa della Madonna di Loreto dates from the 14th century and preserves two cycles of medieval frescoes. Religious services are held at the Sacrario dei Caduti to commemorate the great sacrifice of the sons of the Marsica who survived the earthquake and served as soldiers in the war.

Choose the Right Focus

When choosing your accommodation, you can first decide which aspects of Magliano de' Marsi you would like to explore in greater depth. Visitors interested in nature can focus on the visitor centre, the nature trail and the officially marked paths; those interested in cultural history can turn their attention to churches, frescoes, medieval furnishings and the Sacrario dei Caduti. This keeps your planning clear without mixing the destination’s different themes.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also explore Villalago, Celano, Corfinio, Cappadocia, Barete, Pescocostanzo, Ortona dei Marsi and Scontrone.

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