Discover Sant'Eusanio Forconese

Sant'Eusanio Forconese brings together the Basilica di Sant'Eusanio Martire, a distinctive local history, regional cuisine and local festivals. The Cammino tra i Vestini also passes through the town. This gives you several themes to focus on when planning your trip: sacred architecture, historical connections, community traditions, cuisine or a cultural route. You can choose among them based on what interests you most about your trip.

Romanesque basilica and fortified church

The Basilica di Sant'Eusanio Martire was completely rebuilt in 1198 in the Romanesque style, with three naves. The Romanesque style and the three-nave layout therefore belong to the same construction phase. For travelers interested in sacred architecture, the building's history and clear spatial layout provide a specific focus.

The crypt is divided into seven small naves, with each cross vault supported by different small columns. Outside, the basilica has two of its four round corner towers, as well as large sections of the surrounding wall. These surviving features make it a fortified church. The crypt, main building and outer fortifications each represent distinct architectural features.

Local history, festivals and cuisine

The town's history extends beyond the church building: Sant'Eusanio Forconese was one of the castles involved in the founding of the city of L'Aquila. The basilica's construction history and the town's role in the city's founding thus offer two distinct historical perspectives.

The Fiera delle Forche is a community ritual involving all generations of the town. At one edition, maccheroni alla molinara with ragù, a soup of gnocchetti and beans, and traditional handmade sweets were served again over three evenings. Menus may vary at future editions. If you plan to travel for the Fiera, check the program for the specific edition.

In the hamlet of Casentino, the Festa della Madonna della Neve is celebrated on August 5. If you want to plan your trip around this festival, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

The cuisine of Sant'Eusanio Forconese includes dishes from the province of L'Aquila and the Abruzzo region more broadly. These include maccheroni alla chitarra, sagne con i fagioli, pappardelle and tagliatelle with wild boar ragù, lamb alla scottadito, pallotte cacio e ov, and fried cheese. What is actually available varies by restaurant and season.

The Cammino tra i Vestini

The Cammino tra i Vestini is an 85-kilometer cultural route with eight stages that passes through Sant'Eusanio Forconese. It was officially inaugurated on July 13, 2026. Its length and stages make it a cultural topic distinct from the history of a single building: the focus here is a route, while the basilica is defined by its specific architectural form.

If you are considering a hotel stay in Sant'Eusanio Forconese, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: architecture and local history, local festival traditions, regional cuisine or the cultural route. If you are traveling for a festival, it's also worth checking the dates and program for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Lucoli Alto, Pratola Peligna, Gagliano Aterno, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Pettorano Sul Gizio, San Benedetto In Perillis, Aielli, Civitella Alfedena.

For the broader travel overview: L-Aquila.