Picciano: Historic Centre, Traditions and Cuisine

Picciano combines historic churches in the town and in Piccianello with farming traditions, regional dishes and a signposted itinerary. The town’s history, churches in Picciano and Piccianello, a museum of farming traditions and typical dishes offer different ways to explore the area. In addition, Picciano is a stop on a signposted itinerary through the surrounding landscape and history.

History and Historic Centre

The documented history of Picciano begins in 1049. That year, Bernardo, Count of Penne, donated land and buildings for the foundation of a Benedictine abbey.

The most important representative complex in Picciano’s historic centre comprises the Church of Beata Vergine Maria del Soccorso and Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi.

San Rocco and Piccianello

Another specific connection with a district leads to Piccianello. There, the Chiesa di San Rocco stands in the hilly Val del Fino, on a rise in the centre of the Piccianello district in the municipality of Picciano. Its position on the rise and its integration into the district reveal a different spatial aspect from the representative complex in the historic centre. The church and piazza in the centre, as well as San Rocco in Piccianello, can therefore be considered separately.

The design of the Chiesa di San Rocco also deserves attention. Its neoclassical façade is made entirely of exposed brick; the cornices and pilasters are also made of brick. The Feast of the Assumption is still celebrated in Piccianello today.

Farming Traditions and Regional Cuisine

In the vicinity of Picciano lies the Museo delle tradizioni e arti contadine. The Museo delle Tradizioni e Arti contadine collects objects from rural daily life and displays reconstructions of old rural interiors. The collection also includes an oil mill dating from 1600. This provides you with a tangible insight into work tools, rural spaces and a historical part of olive-oil production.

Cuisine also preserves traditional connections. Tajarille e fasciule are homemade pasta with Borlotti beans, whose recipe has been passed down through generations. Pecora alla callara is closely linked to the tradition of transhumant pastoralism. The municipality of Picciano’s summer programme for 2026 also included the 31st Sagra delle Pizzonte. The dishes and the festival thus point to different forms of regional food culture, from recipes passed down through generations to a municipal events programme.

Picciano as a Stop on an Itinerary

Picciano is a stop on the signposted itinerary “Città S. Angelo tra uliveti, vigneti e storia antica”. The name of the itinerary itself brings together olive groves, vineyards and ancient history as its thematic focus.

Other Places for Planning Your Trip

Micarone, San Valentino In Abruzzo Citeriore, Alanno, Moscufo, Spoltore, Montebello Di Bertona, Loreto Aprutino and Brittoli

For the overview of the wider itinerary: Pescara.