The best cycling routes around Casalanguida

Historic Franciscan monastery in an oasis of peace. The Convento di San Pasquale (officially the monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli) is hidden in the greenery on the hill of Vallaspra, just outside the medieval town of Atessa. This impressive complex was founded as early as 1408 by the blessed Tommaso da Firenze. It is built entirely of natural stone and exudes a serene, historic atmosphere. Although the interior and the beautiful monastery garden with the central well (from 1709) are unfortunately often closed to the public due to varying opening hours, the complex is an absolute sight to behold from the outside. Under the large portico at the front, you can still admire a centuries-old fresco of the Pietà. Moreover, the quiet, shady surroundings are perfect for a well-deserved break during your sporting tour. Fun fact: the monastery used to lend its name to the well-known local herbal liqueur "Amaro San Pasquale", which was originally prepared by the monks with herbs from this valley.

Sangro River – The liquid border of the Costa dei Trabocchi. Crossing the Sangro River via the imposing iron bridge is an iconic moment on the Via Verde dei Trabocchi! At 122 kilometers long, the Sangro is one of Abruzzo's mightiest rivers. It begins its journey high in the Apennines and carves its way down to flow into the Adriatic Sea right here, between Fossacesia and Torino di Sangro. From the old railway bridge, you can enjoy a vast panorama of the wide river mouth. This nature reserve forms an important ecological crossroads where river dunes, rare water birds, and the salty sea breeze converge. Why is this river a top highlight? The Gustav Line: The Sangro has a troubled history. During World War II, this river formed the natural barrier for the infamous German Gustav Line. Fierce fighting took place here at the time as the Allies attempted to cross the river. Access to the Lecceta: Immediately after crossing the river heading south, you'll roll straight into the magnificent Riserva Naturale Lecceta di Torino di Sangro, a rare Mediterranean holm oak forest.

Main entrance to the Lecceta. There are several easy trails within the forest.

Pietraferrazzana is the smallest town in Abruzzo with its 130 inhabitants in a handkerchief of rock

Villa Santa Maria is famous throughout the world for its Hotel Institute, now known as the School of Chefs.

The excursion was done on June 16, 2024 and there was a total lack of water!

Convent of S.Maria degli Angeli (S.Pasquale) in Vallaspra di Atessa (CH) In the name Vallaspra, Valle-aspra, one can sense the peculiarity of a wild and fruitless nature, but also the sedimentation of a troubled historical and religious with long periods of splendor and apostolate. The history of the Vallaspra convent is linked to the Franciscan spirit and the incessant work of evangelization of the observant Friars Minor. Way back in 1408, Tommaso da Firenze, lay friar and secretary of Father Nicola da Osimo, commissioner of the province of Sant'Angelo in Puglia, stopped his wanderings in the Frenta area, in front of an ancient Cona depicting the Madonna of Sorrows with the Dead Christ and on the sides Saint John and Saint Francis on the right, Mary Magdalene and Saint Anthony of Padua on the left, venerated in a barren and wild place, precisely Vallassero di Atessa. Conquered by the evocative sacredness of the place and the profound meaning of this Pietà, Frà Tommaso began the construction of the first nucleus of the convent, which was completed and inaugurated just ten years later, in 1430. The convent of Vallaspra dedicated by Frà Tommaso to Santa Maria degli Angeli , not only in the dedication, but above all in the architectural structures, preserves the cleanliness of the Franciscan forms. The church, with a central nave and a side one, was enriched, in the early 1700s, with a chapel dedicated to San Pasquale Baylon (Spanish), a lay Franciscan, canonized in 1860, in honor of the Contestabile Colonna; the latter changed the title of the convent and San Pasquale simply, rather than Vallaspra, indicates the locality and the monastic complex. Over the centuries the structure was a woolen mill (the Franciscan habit was produced there); operating for more than a century and closed in 1675, it was linked to the intense period of traffic along the herd arteries. Over the years, the Convent of S.Pasquale became an important center of theological studies. Today, the Convent transmits a strong sense of belonging, of religious, spiritual and cultural identity; characteristics, the latter, which make it a solid, safe reference center, as well as a pole of aggregation, prayer and apostolate.

In Casalbordino they await the completion of the Via Verde of the Costa dei Trabocchi. The cycle/pedestrian path, opened in parts last year, will finally arrive in Casalbordino Lido.