Settefrati: Medieval Village Centre and Madonna di Canneto
Accommodation in Settefrati
Settefrati combines a medieval village character with the mountain landscape around the Valle di Canneto and a religious tradition reflected in its sanctuary, churches and processions.
Historic Village Centre on the Hill
Historic Settefrati is a medieval village with a characteristic circular layout. The Torre Medievale stands on the hill above the village. It was built around the 12th or 13th century and formed the centre of the defensive system.
Hike to Madonna di Canneto
The O7 hiking trail leads from Settefrati to Madonna Canneto. It is 8.258 kilometres long, takes 3 hours and 50 minutes to walk, and is classified as E – escursionistico.
The Santuario della Madonna di Canneto is located in the Valle di Canneto in the Parco nazionale d'Abruzzo, at an altitude of 1,020 metres at the foot of Monte Meta. The sanctuary has been documented since 819 AD.
Churches and Religious History
The Chiesa di Santa Felicita has medieval origins. The Chiesa Santo Stefano Protomartire is the main church of Settefrati and stands in the highest part of the village next to the medieval tower. It was built as the chapel of an old castle. The Chiesa della Consolazione was built during the Renaissance, probably in the 16th century.
Pilgrimage Festivals and Processions
Every year, from 18 August to 22 August, thousands of pilgrims flock to the Valle di Canneto and the centre of Settefrati. On the morning of 18 August, the statue of Madonna di Canneto kept in the parish church of Settefrati is carried in a solemn procession from Settefrati to the sanctuary in the valley. It is kept there for five days. The Madonna di Canneto festival attracts around 150,000 worshippers every year from more than 100 municipalities in four regions: Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise and Campania.
Another religious tradition concerns the clothed statue of Madonna Bianca in the Chiesa Santo Stefano Protomartire. It remains covered from 29 August until 14 August of the following year; it is then carried in a procession to Madonna di Canneto. In May, the annual procession to San Michele also makes its way along the main street. After returning, people gather in the square in front of the church and watch a fireworks display.
Flavours of Val Comino
Pan a moll, a traditional dish from Settefrati in Val Comino, is also part of the local identity. It is made using leftover bread from the preceding days. In Settefrati, San Donato Val di Comino and Alvito, a special extra virgin olive oil made from the Oliva Marina variety is also produced.
More Destinations for Orientation
For further travel planning, you can also find Arnara, Casalvieri, San Donato Val Di Comino, Arpino, Campoli Appennino, Cervaro, Monte San Giovanni Campano and Castrocielo here.
For the overarching travel overview: Frosinone.
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