Castel Castagna

The small village of Castel Castagna is located about an hour's drive from Prati di Tivo, on the eastern slope of the Gran Sasso. Historians seem to claim that the name derives from "Castanee," meaning "castle" that provided protection to the local population.

The small village in the Teramo hinterland has just under 600 inhabitants and, like the other towns in the Sicilian Valley, boasts an ancient history dating back to the Middle Ages. One of the main reasons that brings visitors to Castel Castagna is the The presence of the undisputed jewel of artistic and cultural value, a heritage of the entire Abruzzo region: the monumental Church of Santa Maria di Ronzano, included in the religious tourist itinerary called "The Valley of the Abbeys."

Every year on August 15th, the historic Santa Maria di Ronzano Fair is held on the Church plain for the marketing of agricultural, livestock, and local artisan products.