Introduction
L'Aquila and Gran Sasso are home to Italy's most prized saffron and a millennia-old pastoral heritage.
The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition and 1 UNESCO heritage sites.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in L Aquila e Gran Sasso:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in L Aquila e Gran Sasso:
Perdonanza Celestiniana
28-29 agostoL'Aquila · Dal 1294
Celebrazione dell'indulgenza di Celestino V, patrimonio UNESCO.
Sagra dello Zafferano
OttobreNavelli
Celebrazione dello zafferano DOP con degustazioni e raccolta.
Madonna che Scappa in Piazza
PasquaSulmona
Tradizione pasquale con la corsa della Madonna incontro al Risorto.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of L Aquila e Gran Sasso represent the excellence of the area:
The world's finest saffron, cultivated on the Navelli plateau since the 13th century.
A small and flavorful lentil, grown at 1,200 meters at the foot of the Gran Sasso.
Aged sheep cheese from the transhumance tradition of the Gran Sasso.
What to eat in L Aquila e Gran Sasso
Skewers of lamb meat cooked on a traditional grill, the quintessential Abruzzo street food.
Rolled crepes with pecorino in chicken broth, a Teramo specialty adopted throughout Abruzzo.
Pasta made with water and flour combined with beans, a dish rooted in peasant tradition.
Traditions & Culture
Celebration of the indulgence granted by Pope Celestino V in 1294, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Madonna who runs through the square: the statue of the Madonna rushes toward the Risen Christ.
UNESCO Heritage
The oldest celebration of forgiveness in Christian history.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
The highest massif of the Apennines featuring the Corno Grande peak (2,912 meters) and Campo Imperatore.
Historical Figures
The Pope of the 'great refusal' in Dante's writings, a hermit on the Maiella, instituted the Perdonanza in L'Aquila in 1294.
Author of the Metamorphoses, born in Sulmona in 43 BC.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in L Aquila e Gran Sasso are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“Zafferano dell'Aquila DOP is the finest saffron in the world and is worth more than gold by the gram.”
“Campo Imperatore is called 'the Little Tibet' for its plateaus at 1,800 meters at the foot of the Gran Sasso.”
“The Perdonanza Celestiniana (1294) is considered the precursor to the modern Jubilee.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What DOP and IGP products can be found in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
In L'Aquila and Gran Sasso, you'll find 3 protected designation products, including: Zafferano dell'Aquila (DOP), Lenticchia di Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Slow Food Presidium), Canestrato di Castel del Monte (Slow Food Presidium).
2What should I eat in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
The typical dishes of L'Aquila and Gran Sasso include: Arrosticini, Scrippelle 'mbusse, and Sagne e fagioli. Each of these dishes tells the story of the region's gastronomic traditions.
3What UNESCO heritage sites are in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
In L'Aquila and Gran Sasso, there is 1 UNESCO World Heritage site: the Festa della Perdonanza Celestiniana (Intangible Heritage, 2019).
4What are the most famous food festivals in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
Among the most important festivals and events in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso are: Perdonanza Celestiniana (L'Aquila, August 28-29); Sagra dello Zafferano (Navelli, October); Madonna che Scappa in Piazza (Sulmona, Easter).
5What natural parks are in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
Protected natural areas in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso include: Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga (National Park).
6Who organizes the food festivals in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso?expand_more
The food festivals in L'Aquila and Gran Sasso are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Navelli and Pro Loco Santo Stefano di Sessanio. These Pro Loco associations and local organizations are the custodians of the region's gastronomic traditions.