Vicoli between the Nora Valley, village history and local specialties

Vicoli in the Nora Valley

Vicoli is situated on a hill overlooking the valley of the Nora River. The townscape combines historic paths, churches, waterways and local specialties into diverse facets of a trip to Italy. If you would like to combine cultural history, landscape and regional cuisine, Vicoli offers several specific points of interest for doing so.

Churches and traces of the past

The ruins of a fortified castle in Vicoli date back to the 15th century. The castle was once surrounded by walls and protected by entrance gates. Its history therefore remains present in the townscape as a historical trace, without any present-day use being inferred from it.

The parish church of San Rocco stands on the main square of the newer part of town. The church of Madonna dei Cinghiali is located in the Le Pietre district. The old church of San Vincenzo Ferrer was completed in the 18th century. A simple chapel dedicated to San Rocco contains a votive painting.

In its characteristic basic form, the church of Madonna dei Cinghiali has the floor plan of a Latin cross. This shape probably dates back to a later extension. The church also contains a depiction of a wild boar's head, to which the church's name refers and which is associated with the local farming culture.

Landscape and paths along the river

The Parco Territoriale Attrezzato di Vicoli was established in 1990. Willows, poplars and downy oaks grow along the banks. The Nora River shapes more than just the landscape: trout, chub and barbel live in it near Vicoli.

An old mule track leads from the old village through the Le Penne district down to the Nora River. A visitor center in the old village provides information about the various paths and the location of the equipped areas. This combination of local history and river landscape is particularly interesting if you would like to get to know Vicoli through its paths and natural surroundings.

Excursions to water, mills and springs

The Fonte della Faina excursion passes the Cascatella dell'acqua Scioppo waterfall, which is about 40 meters high. The same excursion leads to an old spring with historic architecture from an undetermined period.

The Fiume Nora excursion leads to the remains of an old water mill. It also includes a tower that was used in the Middle Ages to transmit messages with torch signals. After crossing the Nora River, you can see the old Mulino Brandolini mill in its entirety.

The Borgo Medievale excursion leads to the Fonte di Vicoli Vecchio, with architectural structures made of stone and brick. The Grotte baronali and the Portareccia gate are also part of this excursion.

Local cuisine and festivals

Cazzimperio is a local specialty made from Caciocavallo, eggs and milk. The hot mixture is poured over slices of toasted bread. Incaporchiato lamb is a local specialty of Vicoli and adds another regional dish to the town's culinary profile.

The festivals also take place across several seasons. The patron saint's festival, Festa del Santo Patrono – San Rocco, takes place on August 16. The Festa della Madonna del Cinghiale is celebrated in September. The Festa della Cultura Folk takes place at the beginning of July, and the Festa di San Vincenzo in July or August. The Presepe Vivente takes place during the Christmas season.

Vicoli is therefore an appealing point of reference for planning your overnight stay, especially if historic townscapes, paths along the Nora, regional specialties and festive dates are among your travel interests. You can choose a hotel to suit your personal focus for your trip to Italy.

More places for planning your trip to Italy

For further orientation, you can also explore Manoppello Scalo, Farindola, Caprara D'abruzzo, Collecorvino, Micarone, Tocco Da Casauria, Cepagatti and Pietranico.

For the broader travel overview: Pescara.