Gioia dei Marsi, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo
Located on the edge of the Fucino basin, in the area of the National Park of Abruzzo, Molise and Lazio, hosts in the summer, many cultural events at nearby hamlet Casali d'Asci.
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Info
- Altitude: 700 m a.s.l
- Distance from L'Aquila: 65 km
- Population: ca. 2300 inhabitants
- Postal code: 67055
- Dialing Area Code: +39 0863
- How to reach it: by bus or trains from Avezzano; by road, A25 exit Pescina S.S. n°83.
History
Already in pre-Roman times there were settlements on the site, as shown by archeological findings. In the Middle Ages the village of Gioia Vecchio arose, near the garrison that controlled the Devil's Pass (at 1450 m a.s.l.); the old town was abandoned during the 19th century and the inhabitants relocated at Manaformo, later renames as Gioia dei Marsi. The new town, however, was completely destroyed by the 1915 earthquake, and rebuilt a few kilometers away.

What to see
- The remains of Gioia Vecchio
- The polygonal walls and the walled tower at Sperone.
Events and Festivities
- 26 April: Feast of St. Antonio and Our Lady of Buonconsiglio
- 13 June: Feast of St. Antonio at Gioia Vecchio
- Third Sunday in June: Feast of St. Nicholas and San Rocco
- 5-6 August: Feast of St. Saviour and Our Lady of Grace
- 29 September: Feast of St. Vincent and St. Michael the Archangel.
Where to stay
Genealogy and Links
- People researching in Gioia dei Marsi
- Official website of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.