Italy Symposium 2007

Population:  1.500

Altitude:  700 m

At the summit of the hilltop emerges the Castle dei Coldora, which within its original structure dates back from the X century. A walk through the village enables you to discover other interesting locations. The Canaje is the ancient public bath, built with stone slates. The women from every part of the town transported on their head the traditional “uacille” (copper bowls). The “tonna” stone, or the scandalous stone, was a large engraved stone used as an ancient tool for the measurement of grain, on which debtors were obligated to sit naked on in front of the people, as a form of public humiliation. Among the churches, the Mother church from the 500s is worthy of recognition. Its imposing wall face, ornate by a detailed frame is enriched with meridian grace. The primal entrance door is built in the interior and it is the work of a local artist, entirely carved in wood. The face of the church is covered in stucco. On the exterior, the beautiful church bell is second highest in the valley, compared to that of the Annunziata of Sulmona. In the vicinity the diverse noble palaces are recognized due to their beautiful portals, like that of the Tonno Palace of the 600s (noting also its particular windows), and much ahead, the Palace of La Rocca (that hosts the municipal hall), the Avolio Palace and the Massa Palace in the Plaza of Umberto I, Granata Palace (still today with its monumental portal), Simone Palace and many others to discover during your walk. Returning to the churches, the church of San Marcella, founded in 1047, is the most ancient of the village. Returning to walking though the historical center, it is a discovery of fascinating streets and buildings, like that of Via del Castello, Via di Sotto, and Via di Porta della Rapa. You can’t leave Pacentro without visiting the rocky scenery. In the cave of Colle Nusca, a short distance from the town, primitive hands have traced with ochre red the designs of eight men armed with bows and arrows. These hunting scenes are from several thousand years ago.