Castels and medieval towers, monasteries and convents, hamlets and fortified villages. A tour to discover medieval archeology and architecture with dig site visits and guided tours.
We are offering a week of field archaeology and guided tours in the beautiful villages of Abruzzo.
In collaboration with researchers from the University of L’Aquila– Laboratory of Medieval Archaeology, Anthropology and Computer and conservators working on restoring the medieval frescoes, we will participate in the excavation of a medieval settlement and take part in the cataloging and cleaning of the exhibits. In the afternoon we will visit- under the direction of researchers from the university- settlements and medieval buildings that are characteristic of the area and try to understand the origin of the economic, cultural and topographic conditions that led to their creation and existence.
We will learn the rudiments of the “art” of historic building dating in order to discern the phases of development, reconstruction and changes it has undergone throughout the centuries. We will have the opportunity to meet restorers dedicated to their work on medieval frescoes that were damaged or excavated during the earthquake of 2009. It will be a fascinating journey to discover the hidden significance of the extraordinary medieval villages, cities, castles and monasteries of Abruzzo.
Arrival in Fontecchio and accommodation in historic tourist facilities. Presentation of the program. Visit the fortified medieval village of Fontecchio with guides who are experts in the history of the buildings, settlement structure and the building materials used. Lunch in the beautiful cloister of the former Monastery of San Francesco. Visit some castles and towers in the area. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
Breakfast and departure for Amiternum to take part in archaeological excavations which are hoping to recover the first cathedral of the city L’Aquila, known as S. Maria in Civitate. Lunch at l’Osteria due Ladroni and a rest stop at the Archaeological Park in Amiternum. Afternoon, visit the archaeological site and return to Fontecchio. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
Spend the morning participating in the Amiternum excavation. Lunch at Barete and visit the church of St. Paul. This building is interesting because it represents a shift from the architectural style of the pre-existing structures which allows us to trace the historical evolution of the local architecture. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
Guided tour of the Ocre Castle and the Monastery of the Holy Spirit which houses an archaeological museum with a permanent exhibition, “The Lords of Ocre: Vestini by the Normans”. Lunch and free afternoon in Fontecchio. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
In the morning participating once more in the Amiternum excavation. Lunch in the local restaurant Spapizar a S. Victorinus. In the afternoon a visit to the church of St. Michael the Archangel and the possibility to enter into the catacomb of St. Victorinus. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
In the morning we will be cleaning and cataloging the finds at the excavation of Amiternum at Lamia. A light lunch and wine tasting at the “Cellar of the Boss”. In the afternoon a visit to the city of L’Aquila, which sustained dramatic damage during the 2009 earthquake, to view its unique urban structure. Dinner and overnight stay in Fontecchio.
In the morning a visit to the church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas at Fossa to see its magnificent cyclical frescoes; meeting with the restorers who are recovering them after the 2009 earthquake. Lunch at the farm and then resume driving.
By car from Roma/Teramo: exit L’Aquila east from A24, drive in the direction of Pescara, follow SS17 towards Pescara until you reach the SS261 junction, keep to the right in the direction of San Demetrio – Molina Aterno, after 15 Km you will arrive in Fontecchio.
By bus either from L’Aquila and from Sulmona with Arpa bus lines.
By train, railway line Terni-L’Aquila-Sulmona until you reach the Fontecchio train station (2 km from the village center).
Min. 6 people (advised to meet the minimum person count or else negotiate a custom quote).