Description

Balsorano is one of the gateways to Abruzzo and one of the towns in the Roveto Valley. The town – with 3,400 inhabitants – is characterized by the castle that overlooks the entire territory.

The first traces of Balsorano date back to the 10^th century, thanks to its ties with the town of Sora and the abbey in Montecassino. Around that time, the Counts of Marsi transformed it into a Marsican county. The town was ruled by several different families that chose it thanks to its strategic position. First the 17^th century earthquake and then the one in 1915 caused several damages to the town that slowly got back on its feet.

One of the most dramatic pages of Balsorano’s history is the one that tells the story of the brother Mario and Bruno Durante. They were two young partisans that in 1944 were captured and killed after being tortured for a month.

When you stroll around the town, you will be immediately captured by the surrounding nature and the majestic Piccolomini Castle, built during the 15^th century. The structure is in an excellent shape and it is still used to host events and exhibitions. Besides the churches – like the church of the Santissima Trinità or the church of San Rocco – you can also visit the Sant’Angelo Grotto, located along the mountain range of Serralunga, or the monastery of San Francis, where you can find some sacred ornaments from the 17^th century.