At the exit for Avezzano on A25 motorway, head north towards Antrosano, and you will reach Provincial Road 24, that will shortly bring you to Alba Fucens, an ancient Roman town at the foot of Mount Velino. This town is an archaeological gem. As a matter of fact, the remains that came to light following the excavation started by Fernand De Visscher in 1949 and that continued in the subsequent years are remarkable. Among the remains of Alba Fucens you can admire the macellum or the market, the thermal baths, rich in mosaics with marine motifs, the women’s and the men’s baths, the sanctuary of Hercules and the magnificent amphitheatre. In August, concerts and shows take place in the moonlight in the amphitheatre and the exquisite nearby church of Saint Peter (12th century). Once your visit has ended, take the Provincial Road again and pass through the village of Forme. Near to the spring, you can take a dirt road, that heads to the Shelter Casale da Monte, in an excellent location for viewing the panorama of the Fucino plateau and use it as a base for wonderful walks.
Continuing along the road you will arrive at Santa Iona and shortly after you will cross State Road 696 that leads to Ovindoli and to the beautiful Arano Valley. Here you can stop for excursions, walks or horse rides and enjoy the sight of the surrounding high mountains. There are many cultural events, concerts and guided tours during summer. Head on to Rocca di Mezzo and before arriving at the village turn right towards Secinaro. The road flanks Mount Sirente, passes through gorgeous meadows and arrives at Secinaro, a tiny quiet village which offers outstanding food. You will then arrive at Gagliano Aterno where you can visit the castle, a particularly interesting building characterized by an irregular layout, with polygonal development, conceived to adapt to the orography of the area on which it stands, in the Subequana Valley. Shortly after Gagliano Aterno you will cross the Tiburtina Valeria Road near Castelvecchio Subequo and heading towards Raiano you will pass through the Gole di San Venanzio (Gorges of San Venanzio), which are a Nature Reserve. This is a territory rich in areas of extraordinary natural, historical and artistic significance, where also from the geographic point of view, many distinct environmental units are recognizable. The connecting element is undoubtedly the Aterno river that, with its at first impetuous and then slow flow, is the indisputable master. The exit of the Aterno river from the gorges is characterized by the breathtaking and suggestive Hermitage of San Venanzio.
Once you have passed the reserve, head to Corfino, a village with more than 1,000 inhabitants and very ancient origins. In 1075 the construction of two churches began, not very far from each other, San Panfilo a Sulmona and San Pelino a Corfino, known as the Valvense Basilica, seat of the ancient diocese of Valva, the Lombard Lady of the area. Worthy of mention for their historic and artistic value are the Madonna col Bambino benedicente (Madonna and blessing Child), the pulpit on a pillar in the central nave, two remains of frescos from the 13th century, and the wooden choir of the presbytery.
All that is left for you to do is take the road and head back home.
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