Cocullo – History, Serpari Festival and Nature Experiences

Cocullo combines a medieval local history with an extraordinary religious tradition. The town lies in the valley of the Rio Pezzana, a tributary of the Sagittario, and is best known for the Festa dei Serpari.

Discover Historic Cocullo

The town’s history dates back a long way: a burial ground discovered in the Cocullo area provides evidence of the origins of the area in pre-Roman times. The medieval settlement was fortified in the 12th century. The Rione San Nicola offers a particularly vivid way to explore the town’s history. It includes one of the oldest and best-preserved areas of Cocullo’s historic centre.

In the upper part of the town stands a medieval tower that originally served as a watchtower and was later converted into the bell tower of the Church of San Nicola. The Church of San Nicola dates from the 12th century. The townscape therefore brings together different historical layers: fortifications, medieval religious architecture and the later use of a defensive structure as part of a church.

Churches, Art and the Ritus of the Serpari

Santa Maria delle Grazie is also one of Cocullo’s important cultural attractions. Its façade is adorned with a rose window. Inside are 16th-century frescoes depicting the Deposition from the Cross and the Crucifixion. Since 2009, Santa Maria delle Grazie has also housed the statue of Saint Dominic of Sora.

The sanctuary’s special significance becomes apparent during the patronal feast on 1 May. The celebrations take place in Santa Maria delle Grazie because the sanctuary is still damaged. Since 2004, the Centro Studi e Documentazione Regionale per le Tradizioni Popolari has housed a multimedia exhibition on the various stages of the Serpari rite.

The Festa dei Serpari takes place every year in May. On 1 May, the procession for the feast of Saint Dominic Abbot begins in Cocullo with the Serpari rite. The statue of Saint Dominic, covered with snakes, is carried in a procession. Around Cocullo, the Serpari begin on 19 March to catch local snakes, render them harmless and display them during the procession. Another striking detail of the festival is two women in costume carrying baskets with five Ciambellati. These ring-shaped breads are decorated with coloured sugar sprinkles.

Include Nature and Getting There in Your Trip Planning

Anyone planning an active excursion alongside their historical discoveries can consider the Oasi Gole del Sagittario. It is located in the area around Cocullo, in the municipality of Anversa degli Abruzzi, and is designated as a Regional Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area (IT7110099). The Oasi organises paid hikes on its trails with mountain guides by prior reservation. The reservation must therefore be included in the planning of the day’s excursion.

From Rome, you can reach Cocullo via the A25 Rome–Pescara motorway. At the Cocullo exit, continue along Via San Maria in Campo towards Cocullo. Cocullo railway station is about 2 km from the town centre. This information will help you compare the means of getting there and your preferred pace of travel before choosing accommodation.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Cocullo, you can first decide which focus should shape your trip. If you would like to explore the historic town centre, the churches and the Serpari rite, the period around 1 May is an important planning factor. For a trip with a stronger focus on nature, you should plan the hikes at the Oasi Gole del Sagittario, which require reservations, from the outset.

For further trip planning, you can also look at other places: Vittorito, Ovindoli, Castelvecchio Subequo, Gagliano Aterno, Barisciano, Lecce Nei Marsi, Rocca Di Mezzo and Raiano.

For the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.