Cycling in Navelli: the Medieval Jewel of Saffron

The village welcomes you with its charming alleys and ancient medieval palaces. In Navelli’s historic center, highlights include San Sebastiano and Madonna del Rosario, now known as Palazzo Santucci; the Madonna del Rosario, as it appears today, dates back to 1726. Santa Maria in Cerulis stands on the site where the very first inhabitants of Navelli founded the village. Civitaretenga is the only hamlet of Navelli and one of the oldest areas, with buildings still dating back to the 13th century. The churches here are among the most beautiful in Navelli. The Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova (14th century) preserves the original structure of the former convent, complete with a restored inner cloister. Inside, admire the fresco of the Madonna, which, according to tradition, was painted by a shepherd using saffron powder as a pigment—a true symbol of Navelli. Dinner and overnight stay.

Today, we will follow the ancient Tratturo Magno, the shepherds’ trail that once connected L’Aquila to Foggia, and reach the Centurelle pastoral church, an old gathering place for flocks. We will also explore villages such as Caporciano and Bominaco, where a visit to the Oratory of San Pellegrino, known as the “Little Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo,” is a must. The itinerary continues to the village of Tussio, then to Camponeschi Castle, and finally to the ancient Italic site of Peltuinum, a Roman city along the Via Claudia Nova. Return via the village of Civitaretenga. Long stretches on dirt roads. Dinner and overnight stay.

The route follows the main and secondary shepherd trails of the plateau, where the saffron flowers ripen and are then harvested, giving this area the nickname “Red Gold of Abruzzo.” You will enjoy cycling along dirt tracks until reaching Lake Sinizzo, a small karst lake surrounded by woods and grassy clearings—perfect for a relaxing stop. The journey continues through San Demetrio né Vestini, San Nicandro, and Prata d’Ansidonia, leading to the saffron fields and the village of Civitaretenga. Here, we will stop at the Ex-Convent Cloister, home of the Oro Rosso Cooperative, right on the trail, for a special saffron-focused visit. Return to Navelli. Long stretches on dirt roads. Dinner and overnight stay.

Along the old road to Bussi, we will reach Capestrano, where the iconic warrior of Abruzzo was discovered. The village is worth a visit before descending into the Tirino Valley to taste the fresh waters of one of Italy’s cleanest rivers. (Optional: canoeing is possible.) After reaching Lake Capodacqua, we will continue into the Lands of the Barony, climbing up to the village of Carapelle Calvisio. This area is characterized by a rich variety of natural landscapes, with forests extending to relatively high altitudes, as noted in the Gran Sasso National Park. Following a dirt track, we will reach San Pio delle Camere before returning to Navelli. Long stretches on dirt roads. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, departure. (End of services)