Civita d'Antino: the Abruzzo village that captivated Danish painters

Discover Civita d'Antino

Civita d'Antino is a small village in the Marsica area, province of L'Aquila, perched on a plateau overlooking the Liri valley. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries a group of Northern European painters, led by Danish artist Kristian Zahrtmann, used the village as an open-air workshop. Traces of that artistic season remain in plaques, planted trees and preserved interiors.

What to see in the historic center

• House of the Danish Painters / Pensione Cerroni: reached via the stairway to Porta Flora, it houses the heraldic room and references to Zahrtmann's studio.
• 1932 plaque and plane trees in the square: symbols of the bond between the village and the artists.
• Palazzo Ferrante and the chapel of SS. Concezione: 17th-century façade, art collection and historic library.
• Colonna watchtower: recently restored and featured in many period paintings.
• La Piramide/Pista park-garden: small obelisk with a Roman inscription and panoramic outlooks.
• Napoleonic Cemetery: a compact and elegant example of funerary architecture.

Hikes and surroundings

The area around the village offers trails combining nature and history:

• Hermitage of the Madonna della Ritornata: reached via a roughly 6 km path from the upper village; it contains a crypt, hypogeum and a Byzantine-style fresco of the Blessing Christ (12th–13th century).
• Pine woods: shorter walks of about 30 minutes from the village.
• Laghetto delle Pratelle (approx. 1,600 m): a circa three-hour ascent for high-altitude panoramas.
• Monte Romanella: summit with views over Gran Sasso, the Fucino plain and the Maiella on clear days.

When to go and practical advice

The village is enjoyable year-round; for cultural programming check local announcements. Every September the Pro Loco organizes the Inquadrando Paesaggi initiative to highlight sites painted by Zahrtmann and his followers. Practical tips: wear sturdy shoes for cobbled streets and trails, allow time for nearby excursions, and contact the Pro Loco for guided visits and opening times.