Its castle, built at an elevation of 1300 feet to defend the valley from Saracen attack, became the nucleus of the medieval settlement which was constructed on the bare mountain bedrock. The castle eventually succumbed to Napoleon’s army but its ruined tower and outer walls still survive to this day

Depleted by the emigration of many Roccalans to seek work abroad after World War ll, the village is now experiencing something of a 'rinascimento'. A number of British, Swedish and Danish visitors are buying and renovating the abandoned houses. The local people are very welcoming and really appreciate seeing their empty houses being brought back to life.

With its modern road and rail links to the airports of Rome and Pescara, Roccacasale makes an ideal holiday destination. It is situated in the Parco Majella, one of the four national parks in Abruzzo, aptly named the Green Heart of Italy. And yet the Adriatic beaches and the well-equipped ski resort of Roccaraso are each just a forty-minute drive away.

Abruzzo has been called the new Tuscany in waiting. As yet undiscovered by many tourists, make sure you are one of the first!

The village has three bars; Iride and Montagna in the historic centre and further down, Marlene’s which has now become the Rocca delle Streghe and also serves food. The recently opened Marytown bar is adjacent to the Hotel Ginestre down by the main SS17 road.

Fresh bread, fruit and vegetables and other groceries are available in the village shops and there are also weekly fish and fruit vans which park in the piazza.
La Bottega has a delicatessen and a wonderful meat counter as well as bread, fruit, vegetables and other groceries. There is a further shop adjacent to the Montagna bar which also sells food and cleaning items.
The Post Office is situated next to the Commune (Council office) as is the doctor’s surgery.
In addition to the village shops, Roccacasale has a Eurospin shopping centre at the bottom of the mountain, which houses a large supermarket, a fashion store, pharmacy, pizzeria and a bar.
Further away, just outside Sulmona, there is Il Borgo, a large shopping mall which opens every day and has an extensive Co-op supermarket. The other shops there include Bata, Euronics, a large bookshop and many clothes and shoe shops. There is also a good self-service restaurant and pizzeria.

It is possible to enjoy the elevated seclusion and tranquillity of Roccacasale and yet be in easy reach of all amenities. Perfetto!

For more information about the village go to the commune's website at www.roccacasale.it

Back to Top