Discover Cerchiara

Cerchiara combines traces of Roman roads with churches, historical connections to the area, and described hiking trails. The town’s history dates back to ancient Criscaria; the Chiesa di San Valentino and the Via Ceciliana are central to its architectural history. Several named routes and the annual Festa della Madonna degli Angeli are also relevant to planning your trip.

Roman traces and churches in Cerchiara

Criscaria, present-day Cerchiara, is one of the oldest places in the Valle Siciliana. The historic Via Ceciliana ran through the village; Cerchiara was therefore once the seat of a Roman centurion. The road is thus not only a subject for hiking, but also part of the village’s history.

On the route from Cerchiara to the Piana di San Valentino stands the Chiesa di San Valentino, a Romanesque building dating from 1324. The church was built on an ancient pagan temple; the Via Ceciliana ran through the spot where the church stood. Here, the year it was built, its architectural style, and an older sacred history come together at a specific place.

At the end of the main street, the Chiesa dei Santi Maria del Caldarolo e Valentino stands among the oldest houses in the village. The ruins of the Chiesa di San Valentino lie in the Piana di Cerchiara, which is referred to as ancient Crisarica. Another Roman road crosses the Piana di San Valentino, between Isola del Gran Sasso and Cerchiara, and probably led up to Vado di Corno.

Hiking trails and notable waypoints

The Isola del Gran Sasso–San Valentino–Cerchiara hiking route follows trail No. 208 and the traces of the ancient Via Ceciliana. A circular hike follows a Roman road paved with stone slabs. Along the way is an ancient milestone that marked one mile. The route descriptions therefore offer concrete historical connections to the paths, not just destinations in the landscape.

The Cerchiara–Fonte Chiavatteri route can be started in two ways: via Via di Fonte Carbone beside the church, or via Via del Risorgimento and then Via della Montagna. Check local conditions before setting out. On the Trail della Valle Siciliana, a steep dirt track behind the church in Cerchiara leads to pastures and clearings. From there, you can take in views of the Paretone del Gran Sasso and the Valle Siciliana. The steep track and the described views give you a clear idea of what characterizes this route.

Madonna delle Masserie, picnic areas, and festival

At the foot of the Gran Sasso lies Madonna delle Masserie, a place for prayer and meditation. A small niche contains a statue of the Madonna; below it, a simple stone altar commemorates the sacred nature of the site. The religious significance is thus connected to the named features of this small place of worship.

There is a picnic area at Masserie di Cerchiara. The picnic area at Castello di Cerchiara has two enclosed monoblock units and a telescope. As facilities may change, check their current condition before your visit.

The Festa della Madonna degli Angeli takes place annually on August 2 in Cerchiara. If you include the festival in your travel plans, check the exact dates and program before departure.

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