Roccaraso, pearl of the Apennines

Roccaraso is a town of just 1,500 inhabitants at the remarkable altitude of 1236 meters. It belongs to the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. The undisputed pearl of the Apennines is a medieval village perched on a rocky escarpment, whose houses that compose it are mainly built in stone, as are the alleys that cross it. Roccaraso's main vocation is obviously tourism. Belonging to the Alto Sangro ski area, it is the largest in central Italy, boasting more than 100 km of slopes. Roccaraso is very well connected with both Naples and Rome, thus enhancing its skiing vocation. Lots of snow, ski slopes, good food and fun are its trump cards. Typical dish is the cazzarielli with beans and cabbage. However, there are religious buildings worthy of a brief visit: the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Hermitage of the Madonna della portella, the church of San Bernardino and the church of San Rocco.