Navelli: Village, Saffron and Festivals

Navelli reveals its character in a fortified village whose origins can be traced back to around the 14th century. Massive town walls surrounded the settlement. Inside, the main axis, Via del Macello, follows the line of the steepest gradient; narrow lanes following the contours run off at right angles on both sides. Houses made of local stone stand in rows along these lanes and use the underlying rock as their foundation.

Historic Churches and Special Places

The Church of San Sebastiano is Navelli’s parish church and was built on the remains of the medieval ancient castle town. Its 16th-century wooden portal leads directly to the central nave. In its lower levels, the church preserves one of the largest and best-preserved collections of natural mummies in Italy. Admission is free to everyone.

The Church of Sant’Egidio is decorated with late Gothic frescoes in the apse basin, including an image of Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels, worshippers and figures playing musical instruments. The date 1480 is carved in Gothic lettering above the portal of Sant’Antonio da Padova; the building was reopened as early as November 2011. In Civitaretenga, a covered passage with an elaborate series of supporting arches runs beneath the houses through the old Jewish quarter to Piazza Giudea.

An important restriction concerns Palazzo Santucci: it is currently unusable due to the damage caused by the L’Aquila earthquake.

Saffron, Chickpeas and Local Festivals

Saffron and chickpeas are part of the local identity. Zafferano dell’Aquila saffron, with the protected designation of origin DOP, is cultivated in Navelli; the DOP designation was awarded in 2005. Navelli chickpeas are small and have an intense flavour. At the Sagra dei Ceci e dello Zafferano, the Ceci di Navelli and Zafferano dell’Aquila DOP, recognised as Slow Food Presidia, are used in traditional dishes and culinary specialities.

Anyone wishing to discover the agricultural side can take part in the saffron flower harvest in the fields in autumn, particularly between mid-October and early November. This is followed by plucking the flowers and drying them.

The festival calendar also has its own distinctive highlights. The Palio degli Asini is a popular folk tradition in Navelli; on 23 August, the 44th edition begins at 5 p.m. The Sagra dei Ceci e dello Zafferano is a recurring food festival in Navelli; on 22 and 23 August, the 48th edition takes place in Piazza San Pelino. The festival of Madonna dell’Arco is celebrated on the Sunday after 8 September, on the day of the Most Holy Name of Mary, and reaches its climax after midnight with the so-called “tiro dello squadro”.

Karst Landscape Around Navelli

The landscape around Navelli is characterised by karst formations, with sinkholes, depressions and caves on the slopes of the hills. Residents use the caves as storage rooms or shelters for animals.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

More places for planning your trip: Balsorano, Assergi, Sant'Elia, Cansano, Ofena, Corfinio, Lucoli Alto and Vittorito.

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