Alfedena: a jewel in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park

It is rare to find places that are truly paradisiacal. Alfedena, however, is one of them: its ancient town center, combined with the natural beauty of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, represents a true jewel that never leaves visitors indifferent.

Amidst a triumph of greenery, the fresh and healthy air of the high mountains, splendid streams, and a life rhythm that is anything but frenetic, visitors are immersed in a nature that regenerates both body and spirit, allowing them to truly experience the beauty of living in harmony with nature.

So let’s discover Alfedena together!

Alfedena: a medieval jewel among the Apennines

With only 914 inhabitants, Alfedena represents a true gem of our medieval tradition. The village boasts a long history, testified by the ancient monuments still present today.

The first historic center of Alfedena can be traced back to an ancient necropolis, discovered in 1882. The necropolis, dating between the 6th century BC and the 3rd century BC, can easily be compared to other necropolises found in the upper Sangro area. Further historical references to Alfedena appear in the 6th century AD, when the town was annexed to the Duchy of Benevento, which already included much of the territory now belonging to Molise. Not surprisingly, Alfedena is historically linked to the territory of Samnium, the original nucleus of Beneventan influence.

From the 11th century onwards, Alfedena reached its greatest prosperity. This prosperity is clearly reflected in the medieval architecture still visible today. In the so-called Borgo Veroli lies the beating heart of the Abruzzese town. Here, for example, one can find the Porta Antica, located at the entrance of Piazza Umberto I, which marks the gateway to the oldest part of Alfedena and bears the town’s historic coat of arms.

Also particularly important is the Castle of Alfedena, founded in the 10th century and still preserving much of its original structure. The defensive walls rest directly on the rocky foundations of the hill overlooking the town. The castle has an irregular circular shape, with multiple layers of walls, double curtain walls with arched entrances, and a tower—though truncated at the top—that remains the best-preserved element.

Castle of Alfedena

In the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Above all, Alfedena is one of the main attractions of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Located at the border with Lazio and Molise, it is undoubtedly one of the park’s most privileged destinations.

Mountain lovers, as well as those seeking unique skiing and hiking experiences, will find Alfedena irresistible. The town offers not only a significant number of trails but also several routes worth exploring. Among them is the Rifugio Campitelli – Passo dei Monaci – Monte Meta trail, 5.8 km long, accessible to anyone, with an average walking time of just over 4 hours. Another option is the shorter Rifugio Campitelli – Rio Torto trail, 1.5 km long, which takes about 1 hour to complete.

Thanks to its long history, Alfedena is also home to traditional cultural celebrations. Among them is La Fiasca, a serenade performed for newlyweds on their wedding night, and the traditional feast in honor of Saint Anthony Abbot. On this day, bonfires are built in every alley of the village and lit in the afternoon, followed by a procession with the blessing of the fires. The celebration continues around the flames with typical dishes (lullitte e faciule, la panonda, re ciceranate), potatoes cooked under the embers, and local wine.

Another important event is A te Pumba mé, a festival dedicated to the goddess Pomona, deity of the countryside. During this celebration, groups of young people parade through the streets, welcoming spring with chants, horns, and cowbells.

Alfedena also boasts a strong culinary tradition. Typical dishes include fried pizza (long spiral fritters made with eggs, flour, yeast, rosemary, anise seeds, water, and salt), once offered to the entire village during weddings; the bride’s soup (meat broth with endive, fried bread pieces, diced scamorza cheese, and small meatballs), traditionally prepared the day after the wedding; lullitte e faciule (small flour-and-water dumplings with beans); lamb with cheese and eggs; and the curatella omelette (omelette with lamb liver), eaten on Easter Day.

Faced with such beauty, there is nothing left to do but visit Alfedena and enjoy such an enchanting setting!

(photo credits : Valentino Mastrella, Archivio PNALM)