Roccacasale between Valley Views, Colle delle Fate and Local Cuisine

The location of Roccacasale offers an almost complete view over the valley below. The picture of Roccacasale includes the almost complete valley view, the Castello di Roccacasale, religious traditions and traditional dishes.

Hiking Trails and Traces at Colle delle Fate

The Colle delle Fate family hiking trail begins at the Castello di Roccacasale and ends at Colle delle Fate. From Roccacasale, a mule track also leads in about 40 minutes to the 724-metre-high hill of Colle delle Fate. The indication of about 40 minutes refers to the route to the hill; time spent at the visible wall remains must be added to your own planning. Extensive wall remains of a pre-Roman settlement are still visible there.

The Castello di Roccacasale is a castle in the vicinity of Roccacasale. Significant remains of stone buildings can be seen within the enclosed Castello. These may include the foundation of another tower and a large wall with triangular openings that were probably once windows of the actual palace.

Church, Saints and Local Celebrations

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo has a three-aisled interior dating from the 16th century, which was later completely redesigned. On 8 May 1579, it was consecrated by the Bishop of Valva, “Vincentis Dozellus”, with a plenary indulgence. The façade features a stone statue of Saint Michael; another, more roughly crafted statue from the 13th century is set into the rear of the church building.

San Michele Arcangelo is the patron saint of Roccacasale and is celebrated on 8 May and 29 September. Religious celebrations include a procession. The civic programme usually comprises concerts by brass bands or orchestras playing light music.

Since 1911, the summit of Monte della Rocca has been called La Crocella, after parish priest Don Tobisi Silvestri replaced the wooden cross there with an iron cross. A statue of Blessed Mariano da Roccacasale, made of bronze and marble, is dedicated to the religious Fra Mariano da Roccacasale, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999.

Traditional Dishes and Products

The cuisine also preserves its own local character. Traditional dishes still widely found on the tables of Roccacasale residents today include Gnucchitt, Sagn Ammasset, Pulenn and Fregnacc. Typical products of Roccacasale include wine, oil, olives, potatoes, beans and tomatoes. There is also significant production of pecorino, as well as various types of mushrooms, including Chiodini, which are among the most widespread. The dishes and regional products thus complement the trails and historic sites of Roccacasale.

Other Places in the Same Area

San Giovanni Valle Roveto Superiore, Pietransieri, Pratola Peligna, San Benedetto In Perillis, Rocca Pia, Verrecchie, Poggio Picenze and Spineta

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