Marsica

<< Abruzzo

Marsica is a historical region that includes the southwestern portion of Abruzzo, and forms part of the Province of L’Aquila. This area was anciently inhabited by the Marsi, an Italic people, and features several tall mountains of the Apennines. The main city in the region is Avezzano, located near the plain of the former Fucine Lake, now drained.

Avezzano

Avezzano is a city in the Province of L’Aquila and the main center of the historical region of Marsica. The area has been inhabited since ancient times but the modern town emerged during the Middle Ages. The city was originally on the shores of Fucine Lake, the third largest lake in Italy, which was completely drained in the 19th century. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1915, and was heavily damaged during World War II. Later rebuilt, the town now offers various attractions.

Avezzano Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Bartolomeo Apostolo (Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo Apostolo)

The Avezzano Cathedral (Cattedrale di Avezzano) is the main church in the city, located on the central Piazza Risorgimento. Originally built during the Middle Ages, it was damaged by various earthquakes and then restored until it was completely destroyed by the 1915 earthquake. The church was then rebuilt in Renaissance Revival style.

Orsini-Colonna Castle

The Orsini-Colonna Castle is a historic castle in Avezzano. Originally built in the Late Middle Ages, it was later expanded a few times. Heavily damaged by the 1915 earthquake, it was then restored. The fort has a square plan with a circular tower at each corner.

Aia dei Musei

The Aia dei Musei is a museum complex located at the outskirts of Avezzano. The complex houses a lapidarium and a collection of archaeological finds and ancient artworks, as well as an exhibit on the draining of the Fucine Lake.

Museum of Electronic Entertainment

The Museum of Electronic Entertainment (Museo dell’Intrattenimento Elettronico) is a museum located just outside Avezzano. Its collection includes several computers, video game consoles, and arcade games, and features exhibits on the history of computer science, electronics, and video games.

Tunnels of Claudius

The Tunnels of Claudius (Cunicoli di Claudio) are a series of tunnels built by the Romans during the reign of emperor Claudius. The tunnels were part of a project to drain the Fucine Lake to protect the villages from floods and create new agricultural land. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, lack of maintenance resulted in the lake returning to its original size. The lake was eventually drained in the 19th century. The main tunnel, which is 6 km long, was the longest tunnel ever built until 1871, when the Fréjus Rail Tunnel was inaugurated. The site is now part of an archaeological park.

Celano

Celano is a town located east of Avezzano in the Province of L’Aquila. The town emerged in the Middle Ages, but it was destroyed in the 13th century and later rebuilt. Celano has been one of the main centers of the historical region of Marsica ever since.

Piccolomini Castle

The Piccolomini Castle is a medieval castle in Celano. Originally built in the 14th century, it was later expanded and restored several times. The castle features four towers and is surrounded by a series of walls. Inside the castle is the Religious Art Museum of Marsica (Museo d’Arte Sacra della Marsica), a rich collection of religious artworks and archaeological finds from the surrounding region.

Massa d’Albe

Massa d’Albe is a tiny town in the Province of L’Aquila, located at the foot of Monte Velino. The area was originally occupied by the Roman town of Alba Fucens, which was later abandoned.

Archaeological Area of Alba Fucens

Alba Fucens was an Italic town which was later turned into a Roman colony. The town remained an important center for centuries, but eventually declined in the Middle Ages and was abandoned. The archaeological area of Alba Fucens includes the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and various other ancient structures. The Church of San Pietro was built here during the Middle Ages, and features various medieval artworks and decorations.

Magliano de’ Marsi

Magliano de’ Marsi is a small town located northwest of Avezzano in the Province of L’Aquila. It features a few historic attractions in its territory.

Church of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta

The Church of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta is a small church located at the foot of Monte Velino north of Magliano de’ Marsi, near the hamlet of Rosciolo dei Marsi. The church was built in Romanesque style during the 11th century and features various medieval frescoes and decorations, including an elaborate ambon.

Carsoli

Carsoli is a small town at the western edge of the Province of L’Aquila, near the border with Lazio. The ancient Roman city of Carsioli was originally located here, while the modern town was founded in the Middle Ages and the old one was abandoned.

Pietrasecca Caves

The Pietrasecca Caves (Grotte di Pietrasecca) are a cave system and a nature reserve located near Pietrasecca, a hamlet among the mountains north-east of Carsoli. The system includes two large caves featuring stalactites and stalagmites. Bones of prehistoric animals and a few Roman coins have been found in the caves.

Balsorano

Balsorano is a small town in the Province of L’Aquila, near the border with Lazio. The town emerged during the Middle Ages, and it is known for its historic castle.

Piccolomini Castle

The Piccolomini Castle is a 15th-century castle located in the old town of Balsorano. The structure features imposing walls and decorated interiors. Now partially turned into a hotel, it has served as a filming location for several movies.