Cittareale is a small village lying at 1,000 metres above sea level on the Cammino Naturale dei Parchi. Here, the discovery of the Villa of the Flavians, one of the most famous Roman families of the first century AD, has shed light on the birthplace of the emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian, to whom Rome public toilets owe their name, the famous Vespasiani, no longer in use.
The Rocca Aragonese in Cittareale
Cittareale dates back to 1300, when Robert of Anjou commissioned the construction of the fortress, the Rocca Aragonese, a triangular castle with corner towers built between 1489 and 1492 on the foundations of at least three preexisting fortifications.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Capodacqua in Cittareale
Pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Capodacqua have taken place since the Middle Ages. It is said that a miraculous statue of the Madonna and Child, still venerated today, was found at the nearby source of the Velino River.
Selvarotonda – facebook @comunecittarealeofficial
Selvarotonda, the ski resort close to the source of the Velino River, offers downhill and cross-country skiing trails among centuries-old oak and beech forests.
At the end of September in Cittareale, the traditional three-day Horse Festival with shows, workshops, and tastings of typical products is organized by the many local breeders.
Gnocchi with Mutton
Among the typical dishes, are mutton chops, celebrated with a festival at the end of August, and the Panonta, fried bread celebrated in January. Not to be missed is finally the local beer, which stands out thanks to the high altitudes and the purest spring waters.