Paganica between Gran Sasso and local tradition

Paganica combines a documented stage route on the Gran Sasso with sacred art, medieval traces and a vibrant local tradition. This makes the town particularly suitable for you if you do not wish to view landscapes, history and regional everyday culture separately.

Routes between Paganica and Gran Sasso

The “Conca aquilana” stage of the Ippovia Gran Sasso begins and ends in Paganica. Its route follows the Tratturo from Colle Paganica uphill to Filetto and downhill back to Paganica via the hamlet of Pescomaggiore. For your planning, this describes a circular route whose beginning and end are in the town. When planning the stage, the ascent to Filetto and the descent via Pescomaggiore can be considered as two differently routed sections of the trail.

Another connection is provided by the “Destinazione Gran Sasso” route. It leads from L’Aquila city centre or from the A/24 motorway exit through Paganica and the Tempera nature reserve to Assergi. Assergi is home to the Parco Gran Sasso Monti della Laga and is the gateway to Gran Sasso d’Italia. Here, Paganica appears as part of a landscape that stretches from the urban area through a nature reserve to the mountain region.

Church, sanctuary and historical details

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta stands in Paganica. It has been documented since the 12th century; a consecration is recorded for 8 October 1195. Between 1648 and 1655, the church was completely rebuilt in Baroque forms. The building’s new wall also incorporates two medieval fragments. These include a tracery frieze dated to the 12th century through stylistic comparisons and a pluteus likewise dating from the 12th century.

The Santuario della Madonna d’Appari lies in the vicinity of Paganica, between rocks and the Raiale mountain stream. The sanctuary contains the painting “Madonna del Santissimo Rosario con i quindici misteri”, created by Pompeo Mausonio in 1596.

The Madonna d’Appari is also associated with traditional celebrations in Paganica. They take place on the Tuesday after Easter and include a procession to the small sanctuary.

Local cuisine and nearby destinations

The Sagra dei Fagioli is an old local tradition in Paganica. It is associated with the local Slow Food Presidium and includes food stalls offering typical products.

The nearby area around Paganica also includes Palazzo Ricci, a palace, and Monte Castiglione, a mountain.

Getting around locally

For local mobility, the AMA M6B line is described. It operates on a circular route via Paganica piazza, Via Fioretta and Via dell’Industria, returning to Paganica piazza.

More local pages for planning your trip: Civita D'antino, Santi, Barisciano, Rocca Pia, Civitella Alfedena, Villalago, Navelli and Celano.

For the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.