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From the capital of the region down to the shores of the Adriatic, we will follow in the heart of this land a Roman road which connected l'Aquila with Foggia in Apuglia. |
| L'Aquila |
After the decay of many ancient towns, Frederick II united 99 burgs and castles using that figure as a federating symbol, as the XIII century 99 Cannelle fountain attests. Recommended visits include S. Bernardino (XVIth) and the castle which is home to the Abruzzo National Museum. At the foot of the XIIth century church of S. Maria di Collemaggio is the start of Tratturo Magno.
Tracing back the origins of this city leads to insightful discoveries. 10km north-east is the Ist century Roman Amphitheater at Amiternum, illustrating well the architectural concepts of these structures.
Going south-east in Prata d'Ansidonia, the XIIth century church was built recycling materials from nearby Peltuinum, a prefecture in Roman times, of which remain a number of walls and the theater.
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| Bominaco |
In this Xth century monastery composed of three structures, a castle and two chruches (S. Maria Assunta & S. Pellegrino) - visitors can admire some of the most important frescoes of abruzzese heritage and typical romanic architectural elements built with materials from Peltiunum. |
| Navelli |
At this point, the Tratturo Magno splits up. The portion where a renaissance castle rises leads to the Adriatic. |
| San Clemente a Casauria |
Following route 17 through Capestrano, we enter a valley sandwiched between the Parks of Gran Sasso and the Maiella. A visit to San Clemente a Casauria will yield a XIIth century abbey whose peculiarity is that it ecompasses both romanic and gothic styles. |
| Manoppello |
This town is home to the Gothic church of S. Maria Arabona (XIIIth century), built over a Roman altar dedicated to the Goddess Bona, considered to be one of the best expressions of cistercian architecture in the region. The town is also renowned for the Chiesa del Volto Santo and its shroud. |
