Overview
There are those who say that the name Orsogna derives from the bears that once inhabited the area ("orso" is Italian for bear), but others claim that the name came from the nearby Rissogna district.
Whatever the story, there can be no doubt about the beauty or fabulous location of this little village in the province of Chieti. It stands at a lofty altitude of 500 m, just a few kilometres from the National Park of the Maiella.
Here, you are surrounded by greenery. Everything is a vibrant green, from the vineyards to the olive groves, meadows, valleys and the Annunziata river park surrounding the town. With its lush, rich vegetation, it is a real breath of fresh air and a fabulous place to explore.
You can encounter rare orchids, primroses and cyclamen growing between the little brooks and streams that once fed several abandoned mills. If you're lucky, you might even glimpse the pointed nose of a red fox poking through the undergrowth, especially at dusk. There are also skunks here, but they are very rarely seen.
Near the protected area you'll find the Franciscan monastery, founded in 1448 by St John of Capestrano. It is a complex of great architectural importance, which has survived almost intact to the present day, and has recently been renovated, with frescoes dating back to the 16th century. Back in the town centre, you come to a pine wood, which has a wonderful view of the majestic Maiella mountain and the surrounding valleys. From there, you can visit the 18th-century parish church of St Nicholas of Bari: inside it conceals two ancient processional crucifixes by the talented Abruzzo artist and goldsmith Nicola da Guardiagrele, who decorated half the churches, abbeys and chapels in central Italy with altarpieces, busts and other precious artefacts during the 15th century.
While we're on the topic, remember that this town became one of the main centres of the Renaissance in Abruzzo, thanks to this artist who was one of the finest exponents of goldsmithing, producing a wealth of beautiful treasures.
Why not buy a "golden" souvenir to take home? Among the most representative jewels, we recommend the "Sciacquajje", large crescent-shaped earrings finely chiselled and enriched with pendants. Simply magnificent.
If you happen to be in town during Easter, stop to watch the evocative Feast of the Talami, an impressive parade of seven floats set up with sacred effigies inspired by the Bible held on Martedì dell’Angelo ("Angel Tuesday").
Foodwise, you can feast on some of the best food in the region, such as the mouthwatering local dish known as “Pizz' e ffojje”, a cornflour bread served in chunks with vegetable soup. The remaining soup is warmed in a pan with olive oil, and is called 'li mijicalle' (literally, crumbs).
66036 Orsogna CH, Italia
