Ortona dei Marsi
Ortona is a very picturesque ancient town, surrounded by fields where various types of fruit are grown, and especially apples such as the mela limoncella, which is about to obtain the PGI certification by the EU.
- Population: 798
- Elevation: 1,048 metres asl
Park centres
Centro Verde
Walks and excursions
In the valley of the Giovenco River
Historic sites
The medieval tower and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which has been restructured several times, in particular at the end of the XV and beginning of the XVI century, when the two aisles were added. The rose window on the façade is original from the XIV century. Like all the buildings in the most ancient part of Cortona, the church has no foundation, but was directly built on the compact rocks.
Interesting facts
The honey produced in Rivoli, near Cortona, has been awarded several national prizes.
Celebrations
San Generoso, the Patron Saint is celebrated on May 8th; other religious celebrations are Sant'Antonio Abate (January, 17th) and Madonna sulla Villa (August, 15th); the night before (August, 14th) holy images are drawn on the streets using flower petals (Infiorata).
On September 6th, 7th and 8th San Rocco, Sant'Antonio da Padova and Madonna delle Grazie are celebrated.
Gastronomy
Legume soups and roasted lamb. Typical almond sweets prepared for festivities.
Ortona dei Marsi
(photo by: Valentino Mastrella, Archivio PNALM)
Ortona dei Marsi
(photo by: Valentino Mastrella, Archivio PNALM)
