Ateleta: Nature, History and Local Cuisine

Ateleta combines a distinctive location in the upper Sangro Valley with nature trails, places of remembrance, local history and a cuisine of its own. The municipality includes the historic centre, the Sangro River, forest and circular trails, picnic areas and several cultural attractions offering a variety of places to visit.

Location between the Sangro Valley and Maiella National Park

Ateleta lies at an altitude of 737 metres in the upper Sangro Valley. The historic centre is located on Colle Sisto, below the 1,883-metre-high Monte Secine. Ateleta lies on the left bank of the Sangro River and is part of Maiella National Park.

The municipality also includes the Area faunistica del Cervo and the Foresta Demaniale Feudo Carceri. The Foresta Demaniale Feudo Carceri can be reached from La Posta in the municipality of Ateleta via the M2 and N2 hiking trails in Maiella Park.

Forest, Water and Wildlife Watching

The Sentiero del Cervo leads through an old beech forest and along streams that feed Lake S. Antonio. A picnic area is available to visitors along the trail. Next to the lower section of the circular trail in the Area faunistica del Cervo, you can observe deer all year round.

The picnic area next to the Area Faunistica del Cervo can be reached via the SP 164 in the direction of the Church of S. Antonio and has facilities providing low-barrier access. From there, you can enjoy a view of Serra Tre Monti.

Circular Trail and Riverside Recreation Areas

The Pista Ciclo-Pedonale di Ateleta forms a single circular route comprising the three sections Torrente S. Cristoforo, Il Laghetto and La Spiaggetta.

La Spiaggetta is a picnic area by the river. It has fire pits, tables, a playground, a padel court and a pontoon on the river.

History from Its Foundation to Places of Remembrance

Ateleta was founded in 1811 after Giuseppe De Thomasis persuaded King Gioacchino Murat to establish the town. When it was founded, the area of Ateleta was exempt from taxation for five years.

The Rocca di Carceri was an ancient fortification and was destroyed in the 1456 earthquake. In the municipality of Ateleta, on the Sangro River near the Diga di Ateleta, you can also find the ruins of the “Taverna del Crudele”.

The Museo della Civiltà Contadina is located in the Parco Comunale on Via Sangrina in Ateleta. It houses more than 3,000 items, which were moved to a new location in the Parco Comunale in 2011.

A chapel dedicated to Saint Michael still stands on the grounds of the Feudo Tenuta del Cavaliere. In the town centre, on Piazza Carolina, you can also find the Monumento ai caduti di tutte le guerre, with a marble base and a bronze chain ring, as well as the stone Cippo commemorativo. It commemorates the civilian victims of the Second World War and lists the names of the civilian victims born in Ateleta.

Local Cuisine with Lamb and Pasta

Ateleta's distinctive local speciality is lamb grilled over the embers of Turkey oak wood. Dishes served in Ateleta also include pasta alla chitarra with lamb sauce.

More local pages: Rocca Pia, Rocca Di Mezzo, Pescasseroli, Rocca Di Cambio, Ovindoli, Casentino, Pescocostanzo and Aielli.

For the broader travel overview: L-Aquila.