Tocco da Casauria: Mountain Trails, Churches and Olive-Growing Culture

Tocco da Casauria is a destination for travellers who want to combine mountain trails with historic architecture. The municipality’s mountain area is included in Maiella National Park. During your stay, you can therefore enjoy both nature observation and visits to churches, monasteries and Castello Caracciolo.

Mountain Trails and Nature on Monte Rotondo

Trail A8 begins in Tocco da Casauria and leads to Monte Rotondo. It can be walked and is designated for experienced hikers; on the ascent, it has an elevation difference of 1,250 m, and its main focus is the flora. The mountain trails around Tocco da Casauria are signposted and walkable.

These mountain trails offer the opportunity to take excursions along the Arolle River and its tributaries. The local fauna and several springs can be observed, including a sulphur spring. Paragliding flights take off from Fonte Luigi.

Olive Groves and the Toccolana Variety

Azienda Agricola Giardini Di Giulio offers three experiences: a guided walk through the olive groves, a guided walk with an olive oil tasting, and a walk with a tasting followed by a picnic. During the olive walk, visitors learn about the history of the indigenous “Toccolana” variety and the characteristics of its tree, fruit and the oil produced from it.

Churches and Monasteries

The Church of Madonna delle Grazie has a stone portal and a radial rose window on its main façade; it is located on Via G. D’Annunzio. San Domenico is considered a Renaissance church with a late-16th-century neoclassical portal. Sant’Eustachio has a Baroque exterior and a Neoclassical interior with three naves and a large canvas depicting the saint.

The old Convento dell’Osservanza dominates the townscape of Tocco da Casauria. The neighbouring Church of Madonna del Paradiso has interiors richly decorated with Baroque paintings and sculptures. The Santa Maria del Paradiso monastery is located on Via Osservanza in Tocco da Casauria.

Castello Caracciolo and Its History

Castello Caracciolo stands in the highest part of Tocco da Casauria, at the foot of Monte Morrone; it is strategically oriented towards the Popoli gorges. The complex consists of four wings surrounding a central courtyard and four imposing square corner towers.

During the era of Frederick II, the castle was rebuilt. After the 1456 earthquake, the De Tortis, the lords of Tocco, rebuilt it once again.

Planning Your Stay

Tocco da Casauria is located on the SS5 Via Tiburtina Valeria and on the Rome–Sulmona–Pescara railway line. Your choice of hotel can reflect the town’s specific themes: mountain trails and nature observation sit alongside churches, monasteries, castle architecture and olive experiences.

In Tocco da Casauria, a programme called “Un Tocco D’Estate” was organised annually in summer. It included attractions, festivals, Sagra events and entertainment.

More places for travel planning: Pescosansonesco Nuovo, Elice, Musellaro, Collemezzano, Torre De' Passeri, Moscufo, Villa Celiera, Cerratina

For the overview of the wider area: Pescara.