Civitella Casanova: Church Art, Landscapes and Cuisine

Civitella Casanova brings together church art, landscapes and seasonal culinary events. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the town, you can plan your trip around these varied interests: historical imagery, an interest in nature with a possible winter aspect, or events featuring local products. The municipality lies within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park; much of its territory also extends across the mountainous area on the eastern side of the Gran Sasso massif. Seasonal activities and event dates are especially relevant when choosing when to travel.

Church art with varied imagery

The small Chiesa Santa Maria della Cona stands outside the built-up area and dates from the Renaissance. Its stone portal was made in 1529 by Bernardino Darz and Pietro Aquilano. Inside, the single-nave church contains an old fresco from the 16th century. It depicts a woman half-buried in snow, calling on the Madonna for help as several people try to free her. The church thus brings together a precisely dated portal and a narrative depiction from the 16th century.

A different subject appears in the small subsidiary church of Madonna delle Grazie di Vestea, which stands on the old road from Vestea towards Penne. Its apse fresco depicts Judith beheading Holofernes. At an entrance beside the baptismal font, a rectangular terracotta plaque bears the year 1779. Compared with the snowy scene in Santa Maria della Cona, the focus here is on a biblical story and a dated terracotta detail. The two churches therefore offer different ways to explore imagery and historical details.

Landscape and cross-country skiing on the Piana del Voltigno

Its location within the national park and the fact that much of the municipality extends across the eastern mountainous area of the Gran Sasso massif give the landscape its geographical setting. The Piana del Voltigno is an area of considerable natural interest and a singular example of a karst formation. This landscape can be paired with a specific seasonal activity: cross-country skiing is possible on groomed trails on the Piana del Voltigno. This depends on seasonal conditions. If you are considering a winter trip, check in advance whether conditions are suitable for cross-country skiing.

Seasonal cuisine and local events

The Sagra La Cucina della Nonna is held in July and August by local associations and promotes Civitella Casanova’s typical products. La Cucina della Nonna serves Sagne e fagioli, Cipollata, Pizze fritte and Arrosticini. Both the seasonal timing and the specific dishes can help guide those planning a trip around local culinary events.

Vestea alla Brace takes place in mid-July in the village of Vestea and aims to promote local specialities. Its timing differs from the winter-dependent opportunity to go cross-country skiing: the culinary events take place in July and August or in mid-July, while trail conditions vary seasonally. Before planning a trip specifically around these activities, check the latest event dates, food offerings and cross-country skiing conditions.

Discover more destinations: Collecorvino, Picciano, Catignano, Cepagatti, Caprara D'abruzzo, Castiglione A Casauria, Turrivalignani, Cugnoli.

For the broader travel overview: Pescara.