Balsorano, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo

Midway between Marsica and Valle Roveto, Balsorano lies just under the imposing Piccolomini castle, built in 1470 on the remains of a previous fortified structure and now surrounded by a wonderful green park. In the village there are medieval and XVII-XVIII century buildings.

Info

Altitude: 340 m a.s.l
Distance from L'Aquila: 100 km
Population: ca. 3700 inhabitants
Postal code: 67052
Dialing Area Code: +39 0863
How to reach it: A25 Roma-L'Aquila, exit Avezzano; bus and trains, from Avezzano.

History

Guarding for centuries the southern entrance to Valle Roveto, Balsorano takes its name from Vallis Sorana; during the XI and XII centuries it was ruled by Count Baldovino and Ruggero di Albe, then it came under Otto di Tocy until the XVI century, later on the Piccolominis, Testas and Lefebvres. After the destruction brought about by the 1915 earthquake, the village was rebuilt outside the ancient borough.

What to see

The Piccolomini castle
The churches of St. Nicola, St. Pietro e St. Donato
St. Angelo Sanctuary and grotto with a fine XVI-century fresco, at a short distance from the village.