Pacentro

Pacentro: Where History and Myth Meet the Majella

Pacentro (AQ) is more than just a medieval village: it's a stone fortress nestled on the slopes of Mount Morrone, a place where ancient history blends with legends of knights and ties to modern America. Listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," Pacentro offers an authentic experience, a journey through time amidst imposing architecture and centuries-old traditions. If you're looking for a place that offers majesty, nature, and world-famous anecdotes, Pacentro is your destination in Abruzzo.

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The Stone Giant: Caldora Castle

The most iconic and imposing image of the village is undoubtedly its medieval manor, one of the best preserved in Abruzzo.

• Towers and Power: Caldora Castle ( or Cantelmo) dominates the Peligna Valley with its three majestic square towers, underscoring its crucial role as a defensive outpost in the Middle Ages. Built in its final form by the powerful Caldora family, the castle is a symbol of Pacentro's strength and strategic importance.
• Defensive Architecture: The castle, with its double walls and its layout that adapts to the rock, offers visitors a breathtaking view of the wild nature of the Majella National Park .

The Echo of Celebrities: A Village with a US Passport

One of Pacentro's most recent and fascinating curiosities is its connection to the world of entertainment and American politics.

• Madonna's Cradle: Pacentro is universally known as the hometown of the paternal grandparents of Veronica Ciccone , the global pop star known as Madonna . This connection has cemented a cultural bridge between Abruzzo and the United States, attracting visitors from around the world.
• Illustrious Roots: The village was also the birthplace of the paternal grandparents of Mike Pompeo , former United States Secretary of State, confirming Pacentro as a true cradle of celebrities and successful emigration stories.

Traditions and Curiosities: The Return of the Middle Ages

Pacentro preserves rites and places that tell a raw and fascinating story.

• The Gypsy Race: One of Abruzzo's most unique and heartfelt traditions is the "Gypsy Race" (or "Calzi Race"), an ancient competition held in September. Participants run barefoot down a steep, rocky slope to reach the sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto, a ritual that celebrates devotion and courage.
• The Stone of Scandal: Near Porta Mulino, you can see the "Preta Tonna" (round stone), an ancient unit of measurement for grain that also became the "stone of scandal" or shame. Here, insolvent debtors were forced to sit naked in front of passersby as a form of public humiliation, a symbol of medieval justice.

From the majesty of the Caldora towers to the scent of ancient stone houses, to the secrets of a pop star, Pacentro is a village worth experiencing, every alleyway. Are you ready to dive into this intact Middle Ages?