Borgo in Arte

A stone village turned art gallery

Borgo in Arte is the cultural highlight of the summer in Pietracamela, a tiny municipality in the province of Teramo. Situated at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, it clings to the very rock from which it takes its name, at the foot of the Corno Piccolo in the Gran Sasso massif. As a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy club, the town preserves a maze of stone houses, stairways, arches, and scenic alleys that, for a day or two in August, become a sprawling exhibition route. Organized by the Pro Loco of Pietracamela with the support of the municipal administration, the event brings art out of museums and into the heart of village life.

Art, crafts, and workshops

The program, which varies from year to year, offers a blend of artistic expressions distributed throughout the squares and courtyards of the historic center. Past editions have featured painting and photography exhibitions, sculptures, craft displays, and hands-on activities. There are also creative workshops open to both adults and children—dedicated, for example, to the ancient art of bobbin lace or various artistic techniques—alongside performances and live music that entertain visitors until the evening.

• Painting and photography exhibitions throughout the village
• Sculptures and installations among the alleys and squares
• Crafts and demonstrations of traditional trades
• Creative workshops for adults and children
• Performances and live music in the historic center

In the footsteps of Guido Montauti

Pietracamela's artistic vocation is no coincidence. The village was the birthplace of Guido Montauti (1918-1979), a painter who, despite working in Paris for many years, remained deeply attached to his roots and was one of the founders of the 'Pastore Bianco' (White Shepherd) movement, characterized by its essential and spiritual inspiration. Some of his monumental rock paintings can still be seen on the cliff faces overlooking the town. Borgo in Arte ideally carries on this legacy, fostering a dialogue between artists, artisans, and the identity of a mountain community that uses art to combat depopulation and celebrate its heritage.

Pietracamela and the Gran Sasso

Visiting Borgo in Arte is also the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most evocative corners of Abruzzo. The municipality of Pietracamela is located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park; just above the village lies the Prati di Tivo plateau, a base for summer hikes toward the peaks of the massif. The event, which is free to attend, combines the enjoyment of art with the charm of one of the most authentic mountain villages in the region.