Colledimezzo: Lake Sangro, Culture and Tradition

Colledimezzo combines a striking location above the Sangro Valley with Lake Sangro, regional traditions and unusual traces of industrial history. The town lies on a promontory to the right of the lake. This makes it an interesting base for a trip where you would like to combine water-based activities, historical discoveries and local culture.

Lakeside landscape at Lake Sangro

Lake Sangro is an artificial reservoir. It was created by damming the Sangro River near Bomba and was completed in 1963. Canoeing, windsurfing, pedal boating and water skiing are possible on the lake; fishing is also one of the activities mentioned. Near the lake, the Aquatica centre also offers archery in addition to these water sports.

This creates a clear choice between different ways of planning each day of your holiday: you can plan time by the water or get to know the area around Colledimezzo more through its history, church and traditions. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can already take these different interests into account when choosing their holiday destination, without limiting their stay to a single activity. Lake Sangro can be reached via the SS 652 Fondo Valle Sangro; this road is therefore an important reference point when planning a day at the lake.

Historic Centre and Unique Heritage

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Apostolo ed Evangelista is located in the historic centre, in a scenic position above the Sangro Valley. The church houses works of art from the 17th century. A painting by Tanzio da Varallo is currently not on display and therefore cannot be viewed. A painting was also discovered and restored in a church in Colledimezzo. It is attributed to Tanzio da Varallo and was dated by Battistella to around 1615.

Near the Church of San Giovanni stands a building known as the Castello, which is traditionally associated with the D’Avalos family. The marl mines of Colledimezzo reveal a completely different side of the town’s history. Their artificial cavities are considered industrial heritage of great historical and technical interest. Those who want to discover not only the landscape but also the town’s development and its architectural and working history will find several different points of connection here.

Traditions, Festivals and Regional Cuisine

The San Giovanni tradition includes preparing Acqua di San Giovanni and the ritual of “cumbaranze e cummaranze”. It also includes a walk and the gathering of magical herbs. These customs add a cultural dimension to a stay that goes beyond individual sights and makes the local annual cycle visible.

Sant’Andonje de Jennare takes place on 17 January and is considered one of the festivals that is particularly cherished by the people of Colledimezzo. Fave e pecorino is also a recurring local event. The focus is on fresh broad beans and local Pecorino cheese. For travellers who want to combine regional cuisine with traditional festivals, such occasions are among the defining aspects of Colledimezzo.

Choosing Colledimezzo as a Holiday Destination

Accommodation in Colledimezzo is particularly suitable for your travel plans if you would like to combine Lake Sangro with cultural discoveries in the town. For a water-focused stay, the activities at the lake take centre stage. For days devoted to culture, the historic centre, the Chiesa di San Giovanni, the traditionally designated Castello and the marl mines offer a variety of themes. This allows you to tailor your search for a holiday apartment or holiday house to your preferred mix of water, history, tradition and regional food.

Further town pages for orientation: Ortona, Casoli, Treglio, Pizzoferrato, San Lorenzo, Olmi, Miglianico and Piane d'Archi-Quadroni.

For the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.