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.

Other Sections on Abruzzo

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Provinces of Abruzzo

Chieti | L'Aquila | Pescara | Teramo

Italian Regions

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.