Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I N T R O D A C Q U A: AN OASIS OF GREENERY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
“ A most beauiful town can be found hidden in the valley between two lush pine forests....it lies facing the peaks of the Gran Sasso and the Majella mountains... "
This verse, written in the local dialect by the poet Nicolo'D'eramo is dedicated to the town of Introdacqua. Each and every citizen of Introdacqua, both residents and emigrees alike, will always carry these moving words in their hearts....until their dying days and beyond.
In the valley surrounding Introdacqua can be found open pastures, dense forests, and an abundance of clear and pristine natural springs. The town residents are known for their gaiety, openness, and kindness to all who come for a visit. A sojourn to this lovely setting helps the traveler to reconnect with nature in a way that nourishes both the body and the soul. Here one will feel sustained by a community of gracious and giving people who have the uncanny ability to provide exactly what one has been searching and what life has been lacking. Over the years these values have at times unfortunately been lain by the wayside but in Introdacqua they are not, and will never be, forgotten.
Guests who set their sights on local venues will find Introdacqua fascinating and full of unexpected delights. In the town can be found two bars (don't forget to order a delicious cappuccino!), a pub, an ice cream parlor, a restaurant (featuring fresh trout), a pizzeria, and a small food market. During the summer months two refreshment stands on nearby Monte Playa (alt. 3000 ft) serve snacks and light refreshments to hikers and weary travelers. Introdacqua is famous its musical bands dating back to the 1700's and frequent concerts take place to this day. Folkloristic and church choral presentations delight those lucky enough to hear these beautiful voices ring out across the surrounding valley. Only a few miles away is nearby Sulmona, famous for the manufacture of "confetti" (Italian sugar coated almonds). There one will find discos, a bowling alley, indoor and outdoor swiming pools, beer halls, restaurants, a movie theater, a museum, and a large auditorium, among other attractions.
Those wishing to adventure outside the Introdacqua area will find themselves in close proximity to the Roccaraso ski resort, the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, four national park areas delimited by the Italian Regions of Abruzzo, Molise, and Lazio (the most famous being the Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga, Velino-Sirente and Majella national parks), and Lake Scanno. A bit farther away is the Italian village of Valle San Giovannni, home of Casale. A wide variety of itineraries are possible and travel assistance is readily available. Introdacqua is well served by public transportation. Nearby are the A-24 and the A25 highways. A major railway station is located just 3 miles away in nearby Sulmona. Rome can easily be reached in under two hours. Pescara and the beaches of the Adriatic Sea are reachable in little more than 30 minutes.
Introdacqua has about two thousand inhabitants and lies in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo Region of Italy. It is part of the mountain community "Comunità Montana Peligna." Each year it host the famous Muntagninjazz musical jazz festival. Illustrious citizens of Introdacqua include the linguist Ernesto Giammarco, the actor Ivo Garrani, and the politician Domenico Susi. Another well known figure born is this town was the self-educated poet Pascal D'Angelo. Pascal emigrated to America where he worked as a "bracciante" (day laborer). His story is told in the book Son of Italy.Through present times the powerful Pronio family members have left their mark on Introdacqua and surrounding areas.
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