Sant'Eusanio Forconese: Basilica, Festival Culture and Cultural Trail

Basilica di Sant'Eusanio Martire

Sant'Eusanio Forconese brings together architectural history, a cultural trail, regional food culture and community festivals. If you would like to combine Italian history, outdoor activity and cuisine in one travel itinerary, you will find clearly distinct themes here – from Romanesque architecture to dishes from the Province of L'Aquila and Abruzzo.

The Basilica di Sant'Eusanio Martire was completely rebuilt in 1198 in the Romanesque style, with three naves. Its crypt is divided into seven small naves. The groin vaults are each supported by different small columns, creating a clearly structured sequence of vaults and supports inside. Its exterior also has a defensive character: the basilica has two of the four round corner towers and large sections of the surrounding wall. This makes it a fortified church.

Castles and an Ancient Site in the Nearby Area

Sant'Eusanio Forconese was one of the castles involved in the founding of the city of L'Aquila. The Castello di Sant'Eusanio Forconese, a castle, is located in the immediate vicinity of Sant'Eusanio Forconese. The Necropoli di Fossa, an ancient site, is also nearby. Together, these places lead to different historical themes: the role of the castles in the founding of L'Aquila, a castle in the nearby area and an ancient site.

Cultural Trail and Festivals

The Cammino tra i Vestini is an option for active parts of your trip. It is an 85-kilometre cultural trail with eight stages and passes through Sant'Eusanio Forconese. The combination of its total length and stages gives you a clear basis for considering a stay along a cultural trail either by distance or by individual sections.

The local festival calendar includes the Festa della Madonna della Neve, celebrated on 5 August in the hamlet of Casentino. Another form of community tradition is the Fiera delle Forche. It is a communal ritual involving all generations in the village and has reached its tenth edition.

Dishes from L'Aquila and Abruzzo

In Sant'Eusanio Forconese, dishes from the Province of L'Aquila and from Abruzzo in general are served. These include maccheroni alla chitarra, sagne con i fagioli, pappardelle and tagliatelle with wild boar ragù, lamb alla scottadito, pallotte cacio e ov and fried cheese. During the Fiera delle Forche, maccheroni alla molinara with ragù, a minestra made with gnocchetti and beans, and handmade traditional sweets are served again over three evenings. Alongside the architectural history, regional dishes and a festival involving the village's generations therefore take centre stage.

Discover More Destinations

Gioia Dei Marsi, Cappadocia, Aielli, Stiffe, Cagnano Amiterno, Avezzano, Scanzano and Preturo.

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