Gioia dei Marsi, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy
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. Follow ItalyHeritage on Facebook
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Info
Altitude:700 m a.s.l
-- Distance from L'Aquila: 65 km
-- Population: ca. 2300 inhabitants
-- Zip code: 67055
-- Phone Area Code: 0863
-- How to reach it:
- bus, trains: from Avezzano
- road: A25 exit Pescina S.S. n°83
- 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.
Points of Interest
- the remains of Gioia Vecchio
- polygonal walls and the walled tower at Sperone.
Events & Festivities
- 26 April: Feast of St. Antonio and Our Lady of Buonconsiglio
- 13 June: Feast of St. Antonio at Gioia Vecchio
- 3rd 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