The best traffic-free bike rides around Colledimezzo

Convent of S.Maria degli Angeli (S.Pasquale) in Vallaspra di Atessa (CH) In the name Vallaspra, Valle-aspra, one can sense the peculiarity of a wild and fruitless nature, but also the sedimentation of a troubled historical and religious with long periods of splendor and apostolate. The history of the Vallaspra convent is linked to the Franciscan spirit and the incessant work of evangelization of the observant Friars Minor. Way back in 1408, Tommaso da Firenze, lay friar and secretary of Father Nicola da Osimo, commissioner of the province of Sant'Angelo in Puglia, stopped his wanderings in the Frenta area, in front of an ancient Cona depicting the Madonna of Sorrows with the Dead Christ and on the sides Saint John and Saint Francis on the right, Mary Magdalene and Saint Anthony of Padua on the left, venerated in a barren and wild place, precisely Vallassero di Atessa. Conquered by the evocative sacredness of the place and the profound meaning of this Pietà, Frà Tommaso began the construction of the first nucleus of the convent, which was completed and inaugurated just ten years later, in 1430. The convent of Vallaspra dedicated by Frà Tommaso to Santa Maria degli Angeli , not only in the dedication, but above all in the architectural structures, preserves the cleanliness of the Franciscan forms. The church, with a central nave and a side one, was enriched, in the early 1700s, with a chapel dedicated to San Pasquale Baylon (Spanish), a lay Franciscan, canonized in 1860, in honor of the Contestabile Colonna; the latter changed the title of the convent and San Pasquale simply, rather than Vallaspra, indicates the locality and the monastic complex. Over the centuries the structure was a woolen mill (the Franciscan habit was produced there); operating for more than a century and closed in 1675, it was linked to the intense period of traffic along the herd arteries. Over the years, the Convent of S.Pasquale became an important center of theological studies. Today, the Convent transmits a strong sense of belonging, of religious, spiritual and cultural identity; characteristics, the latter, which make it a solid, safe reference center, as well as a pole of aggregation, prayer and apostolate.

Monastic complex located in Atessa. The style is Renaissance/Baroque and its origins date back to the 15th century. the convent is entirely made of stone and there is a nursery in its garden.

The position of the castle is strategic, perched on top of a rocky ledge. Legend has it that, in 1646, the then baron of the castle (Corvo de Corvis) demanded the application in the town of the Ius primae noctis (all the women of the town to spend their wedding night with him instead of with their newly married consort ). For this reason he was assassinated.

Artificial lake that arises from the damming of the Aventino river. At the top of the hill overlooking the lake, the Torretta di Prata is visible

Picturesque village of medieval origin which has only 132 inhabitants. But what it is famous for is its size: Pietraferrazzana, in fact, is the smallest town in Abruzzo. A pearl of extraordinary beauty and tranquility, waiting to be discovered, which takes its name from the rocky spur that overlooks the town on the top of which are the ruins of the old castle.

In addition to numerous small frogs and fish, this small water snake also lives in the Gola and presumably feeds on the former. Now, at the beginning of October, the waterfall is more of a small trickle. To do this, it can be easily reached from the parking lot at the entrance to the gorge after a few minutes of walking over round stones and mini climbing inserts over two slightly larger rocks with dry feet. Sturdy footwear is still advisable and, especially in bad weather, you should take the notice at the entrance to the gorge that you should only enter it with a helmet because of the risk of falling rocks.

Approaching from Roccascalegna you will immediately notice the castle which dominates the whole surrounding area on top of the cliff.

Nice castle complex. There is no museum, but the walls can be visited. There are also restaurants in the village, but a reservation is always recommended!