Cerchiara between Roman Roads and Mountain Landscapes

Cerchiara is a place where Roman roads, historic religious buildings and the landscape of the Gran Sasso meet. Criscaria, present-day Cerchiara, is one of the oldest settlements in the Valle Siciliana.

Roman Traces and Ancient Churches

Cerchiara was once the seat of a Roman centurion because the historic Via Ceciliana ran through the village. On the road from Cerchiara to the Piana di San Valentino stands the Chiesa di San Valentino, a Romanesque building dating from 1324. The church was built on an ancient pagan temple; the Via Ceciliana also ran through this site.

The Piana di San Valentino lies between Isola del Gran Sasso and Cerchiara. A Roman road crosses the plain and probably led up to the Vado di Corno. The ruins of the Chiesa di San Valentino lie in the Piana di Cerchiara; the plain is connected with ancient Crisarica.

In the village itself, the Chiesa dei Santi Maria del Caldarolo e Valentino stands at the end of the main street, among Cerchiara’s oldest houses. At Madonna delle Masserie, a small niche contains a statue of the Madonna. Beneath it, a simple stone altar commemorates the sacredness of the site. Madonna delle Masserie is a place for prayer and meditation at the foot of the Gran Sasso.

Hiking Trails with Historical Connections

The route to Fonte Chiavatteri can begin either via Via di Fonte Carbone beside the church or via Via del Risorgimento, followed by Via della Montagna. A circular hike follows a Roman road paved with stone slabs and passes an ancient milestone that marked one mile. For orientation, the route can be divided into individual reference points along the roads, at the church and at the ancient milestone.

The Isola del Gran Sasso–San Valentino–Cerchiara circular hike uses Trail No. 208 and follows the traces of the ancient Via Ceciliana. On the Trail della Valle Siciliana, a steep track behind the church in Cerchiara leads to pastures and clearings. From there, you can admire the Paretone del Gran Sasso and the Valle Siciliana.

There is a picnic area at Masserie di Cerchiara. Another picnic area is located at Castello di Cerchiara and has two fenced-in monoblock units and a telescope.

Festa della Madonna degli Angeli

Every summer, Cerchiara hosts the Festa della Madonna degli Angeli. From July 31 to August 2, the festival combines religious rites, live music, food stalls and convivial moments in Piazza San Valentino.

More Destinations for Orientation

For further planning, you can also explore Montone, Pineto, Colleluccio, Alba Adriatica, Fano Adriano, Castagneto, Villa Vomano and Canzano.

For the overarching travel overview: Teramo.