Village of Pacentro (AQ)

Province: L'Aquila - Elevation: 690 Population: 1405

The village lies on top of a hill guarding the Peligna Valley, inside the National Park of Majella, with the imposing towers of Cantelmo Castle, It is one of the most well-preserved medieval town, populated since the prehistoric age.

The town has a quadrilateral plan, surrounded by a moat and three towers on a square plan - the exterior wall has three cylindrical towers. The church of St. Maria Maggiore, the church of Immacolata and the church of St. Marcello beautify the town.

According to the tradition, the first sunday of September the town celebrates the famous "Corsa degli zingari" (the gypsy race): barefoot people run from the mountain to the sanctuary of Madonna di Loreto, commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary. The race starts from the hill of Ardingo at the ring of the bell of the Church of Madonna di Loreto going up and down the hill and though the woods. The winner gains money and a piece of fabric to have a new dress custom made.