Bugnara, the village “altar” of the goddess Bona

Situated in the evocative Peligna Valley, Bugnara preserves a millenary history rooted in the cult of ancient Roman deities. Its name may derive from Bonae ara, “altar of the goddess Bona or Ceres,” protector of the fertility of the earth. Not by chance, the church of Madonna della Neve stands on the remains of a Roman temple, of which floors and a slab depicting priestesses in their rites are still preserved.

From the 11th century, under the rule of the Di Sangro family (1079–1759), the village experienced urban development and prestige, enriched by works such as the ducal palace and the rebuilding of the church in 1361. An important hub of transhumance under the Aragonese Royal Customs (1442), Bugnara has withstood devastating earthquakes, maintaining the charm of its historical and cultural identity.

What to see in Bugnara

Struck several times by earthquakes, the last in 1984, Bugnara today seeks revival thanks to its inclusion among the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Upon arrival, one encounters the church of Santissimo Rosario (1602), an elegant example of single-nave Baroque, embellished with stuccoes, gilding, and a massive wooden pulpit. Next to it stands a 15th-century fountain, adorned with the Di Sangro coat of arms and a stone dove. Walking through the medieval alleys, one reaches the Ducal Palace or Rocca dello Scorpione, originally a defensive structure around the year 1000 and later transformed into a noble residence, today under restoration. Just outside the village rises the church of Madonna della Neve, built on the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to Ceres: the original floor and a slab with the priestess Helvia are still preserved. Other small churches enrich the nearby hamlets and districts.

Events and traditions of Bugnara

Throughout the year, Bugnara hosts events celebrating local traditions and culture. In June, the Sagra del Formaggio Pecorino offers tastings of shepherds’ products and demonstrations of milk processing. In August, the international Romantica festival enlivens the village with a white night dedicated to love and floral art. On August 5, in Torre de’ Nolfi, the Feast of Madonna della Neve is celebrated together with the Sagra del Grano, which reenacts ancient agricultural activities such as harvesting and threshing, recalling the pagan origins linked to the cult of the grain deity. Finally, on September 4 and 5, the patron saints San Magno and San Vittorino are honored with religious celebrations and cultural initiatives.

What to see around Bugnara

The surroundings of Bugnara offer a natural and cultural landscape rich in attractions. Not far away lies the Monte Genzana and Alto Gizio Nature Reserve, ideal for excursions through woods, meadows, and wildlife trails, with the chance to observe protected species such as the golden eagle. For history lovers, nearby Sulmona offers its Renaissance historic center, the famous market, and the tradition of sugared almonds, while Pacentro and Scanno boast well-preserved medieval villages, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views over the Majella National Park. Archaeology enthusiasts can visit the archaeological area of Corfinio, an ancient Italic and Roman center, and the sites along the Via dei Borghi and the Transhumance Route, witnesses of the pastoral and rural history of the Peligna Valley.

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Cover photo credits: Matteo_Ciani