The territory of the municipality of Scurcola Marsicana is an area suitable for excursions on foot and by bicycle.

 

I Piani Palentini visti da Scurcola. (Immagine personale)

 

The territory is both mountain and plain, therefore suitable for any person. If anyone decides to venture into the territory of Scurcola and the nearby Campi Palentini, they will discover a territory rich in history, where it is very easy to step back in time, by visiting the archaeological site of the necropolis of Campi Palentini, very close to Scurcola, where present 30 iron age tumulus tombs.

 

Resti dell’antica abbazia di Santa Maria della Vittoria edificata nel 1268 da Carlo I d’Angiò. (Immagine da Wikipedia)

 

And if you are a lover of churches and monasteries you can go to the ruins of the ancient abbey of Santa Maria della Vittoria, built in 1268 and fell into ruin during the fifteenth century following a series of earthquakes. This ancient abbey was important for the feudal rights it possessed and like the Abbey of Montecassino, it possessed a fairly vast territory with the center in Scurcola, which was a real monastic fiefdom.

 

Chiesa della Santissima Trinità di Scurcola. (Immagine personale)

 

La chiesa di S. Egidio è una delle chiese più antiche della Marsica. (Immagine personale)

 

Scurcola is a real concentrate of sacred art and culture, its splendid churches are the most evident testimony and among these we point out the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, the church of the Santissima Trinità or the small and very ancient church of S. Egidio, present in the lower part of the town.

 

Il castello di Scurcola Marsicana risalente al X secolo. (Immagine personale)

 

In addition to its splendid churches, Scurcola is also famous for what I believe to be the most valuable architectural element in the town or its castle. This ancient manor house which dates back to the 10th century is a true example of a 15th century military fortress, which adapted several times to the new warfare techniques that followed one another over time between the 10th and 15th centuries.

Well, taking an excursion to the castle, unfortunately still closed for restoration, means not only viewing one of the best preserved manors in the area, but above all marveling at the surrounding area through a unique view of its kind.

 

Visuale sui Piani Palentini. (Immagine personale)

 

If we then want to fully enjoy the medieval history of the town, well, all we have to do is get lost in its narrow streets in a continuous up and down of alleys and alleys. From this it becomes clear that Scurcola has maintained its medieval urban structure, maintaining all its charm over time.

 

Scorcio del paese di Scurcola Marsicana. (Immagine personale)

 

Scorcio del paese di Scurcola Marsicana. (Immagine personale)

 

Discovering Scurcola Marsicana means taking a step back in time, and this is above all true by participating in the various cultural initiatives present in Scurcola.

 

Manifestazione religiosa del Venerdì Santo a Scurcola.

 (Immagine da https://marsicalive.it/torna-la-via-crucis-a-scurcola-tra-lentusiasmo-dei-bimbi-e-lemozione-degli-anziani-video/)

 

Among these we point out the religious event on Good Friday which is held every year at the church of S.S. Trinity. Practically every morning of Good Friday from eight to fourteen, the direct procession of the four Confraternities takes place: the procession starts from the Mother Church of the S.S. Trinità, visit the various churches of the village up to the Mother Church.

 

The second noteworthy event concerns the traditional Medieval Historical Procession “Contrade e Borghi” which is articulated along the streets of the ancient nucleus of the town of Scurcola Marsicana. The country with its typically medieval appearance proves to be a perfect setting to recall life in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.

The parade is held every 23 August and is made up of 250 participants, dressed according to the medieval costume of the 13th and 14th centuries. Thanks to this parade, many people come to the town of Scurcola, to have a new experience and at the same time visit the town with its wonders and culinary specialities.