Discover the paths and medieval villages crossed by the pope Celestine V known for his "Grand Refusal" of the position of the papacy during his Sulmona - L'Aquila pilgrimage of 1292

On this recommended trekking trip retrace via horseback the route taken in 1294 by the holy hermit Pietro de Morrone to travel from his hermitage in the vicinity of Sulmona to the city of L’Aquila where he was coronated as Pope under the name of Celestino V.

During the journey riders will visit the beautiful medieval villages that the saint passed through on his pilgrimage, which were the villages and mountain refuges of the ancient hermits of Abruzzo.

The route and duration of the travel package can be modified to suit your needs.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 - Welcome

  Arrive at Vittorito the Equestrian Center “I Cavalieri dell’Antera” at Vittorito and meet your guide for an educational tour. Visit the village and the Pietrantonj Winery (one of the oldest in the entirety of central-southern Italy). Dinner with traditional recipes. Overnight stay in agreed upon tourist accommodations.

• DAY 2 - The Hermitage of S. Onofrio

  Trekking through Vittorito to Sulmona. Visit the hermitage of S. Onofrio where the pope “hermit” Celestino V lived. Visit the historic center of the city of Sulmona, with dinner and an overnight stay at an old restored farm.

• DAY 3 - The 'Overlook' Peligno

  Trekking from Sulmona to Vittorito with a guided tour of the Regional Natural Reserve and some of the sources of the Pescara River. Lunch at the Nature Reserve with some traditional food products. Overnight stay in tourist facilities in Vittorito.

• DAY 4 - The Gorges of San Venanzio

  Visit the breathtaking gorges of San Venanzio: the narrow valley between the mountains along the Aterno River is full of beautiful medieval settlements. Visit the hermitage of San Venanzio, an ancient holy refuge of Abruzzo located in the heart of the gorges. Packed lunch. Snacks and tasting of typical local products in the Raiano area and return to Vittorito.

• DAY 5 - Through Ancient Villages and Castles

  Trekking from Vittorito to the medieval village of Saint Benedict in Perillis with a visit to the ruins of old farmhouses; lunch break at Cantina Valle Reale. Arrival at S. Benedetto in Perillis, a guided tour of the village and Civiltà Contadina Museum. Transfer to Collepietro, dinner and an overnight stay at the farm house.

• DAY 6 - The Hermitage of Saint Erasmo

  Trekking up to the hermitage of Saint Erasmo, a beautiful medieval building in the high mountains with a view of all the mountain ranges of Abruzzo. Packed lunch at the Hermitage. Arrival in San Lorenzo di Beffi, with dinner and an overnight stay.

• DAY 7 - Discovering the Pagliare

  Trekking to the villages of the Goriano Valley; guided tour of the medieval village and farm “Vigna di More” with a lunch prepared with organic products. Visit the Pagliare: today ancient village of mountain farmers. Overnight stay in the medieval village of Fontecchio.

• DAY 8 - Departure

  Possibility of an optional tour to the natural Stiffe caves before departure.