Pescocostanzo, a village in the province of L’Aquila and part of the Maiella National Park and Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its own ski resort, is a popular Abruzzo destination for locals and tourists alike.
Rich in historic buildings, ancient churches, artistic works and natural beauty, it is one of the region’s flagships.
It is the birthplace of one of the greatest wrought-iron artists, Sante di Rocco, author of the iron gate that closes the Collegiate Chapel, which was finished following his death by his grandson.
He became famous in the area, and not long afterwards a popular legend related to the figure of this artist began to be told.
In fact, it is told that “one day when he had been hunting in the woods, he sat down to eat his breakfast. He set his rifle down on the ground, but when he picked it up again he noticed that the barrel had bent, because it had been in contact with a strange plant. He realized that he had discovered a secret, and when he returned home, he began to work with iron by shaping the metal with that plant found in the woods. And so the craftsman learned to work iron, but no one, not even his wife, did he ever to disclose the secret.”
Even today, wrought iron is an integral part of local handicrafts, along with gold and silver filigree, used to produce the famous “Presentosa,” and pillow lace, with which enchanting embroidery is created.
If you want to discover these little gems, choose one of our tours, where you can see Pescocostanzo in its dual winter and summer soul.
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4 thoughts on “Pescocostanzo, the village you don’t expect”
It is one of my favorite places in Italy. I love it there. I n addition to the jewelry their lace is exquisite. Definitely a wonderful town that you should make sure to visit.
Buongiorno Francine,
thank you for your wonderful words and for sharing it with us.
I hope to see you soon for a new adventure!
Grazie and ciao for now
Fabrizio
My grandmother was born in Pescocostanzo. Ida Cocco Panza – I was there in 1976, but want to return in 2025. She was born in 1897. Her siblings, Americo Cocco Panza, born in 1900, and Amelia Cocco Panza born in 1895. Their parents were Ernestina Cocco Panza and Habib Panza. Would like to re-connect with cousins I met back in 1976. Thank you!!
Buongiorno Lisa,
Thank you so much for sharing this information.
It’s wonderful that you want to reconnect with your cousins in Pescocostanzo.
I’ll send you a private email so we can discuss the details and see how we can help you plan your trip.
Thanks again, and talk to you soon!
Ciao for now
Fabrizio