Sundays in the Storytelling Villages of the Gran Sasso

A village that tells its own story

The Sundays in the Storytelling Villages of the Gran Sasso is a widespread festival that, during the autumn months, highlights the small villages of the Navelli plateau and the slopes of the Gran Sasso, in the province of L'Aquila. Among these is Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, a tiny stone municipality in the Abruzzo region, perched at over a thousand meters in a landscape of silence, dry-stone walls, and horizons opening onto the massif. Each Sunday, two villages take center stage, opening their doors to residents and visitors for completely free experiences.

How the day unfolds

The formula remains consistent, favoring a slow pace. In the morning, guests participate in an orienteering challenge through the village alleys: equipped with a map and compass, adults and children discover small squares, hidden views, and panoramas, learning to read the village like a small labyrinth of stories. The morning concludes with an aperitif featuring local products. In the afternoon, the group moves to the twin village for a guided tour, accompanied by qualified guides and, most importantly, a local resident—a guardian of traditions and memories who brings the human face of these places to life.

Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi

Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi is one of the smallest and least-known municipalities in the L'Aquila area: a handful of stone houses, ancient churches, and narrow streets that preserve the memory of a pastoral economy linked to transhumance. In the 2025 autumn edition, the village was featured alongside Castel del Monte, another stone jewel of the Gran Sasso. Participating in the Storytelling Sundays means coming into direct contact with this Apennine identity made of community, landscape, and genuine products.

The Storytelling Villages project

The initiative stems from the commitment of the Il Bosso Cooperative in collaboration with the GAL Gran Sasso Velino, as part of the ASTRI program dedicated to social agriculture, tourism, and the rebirth of inland areas. The goal is to enhance the small municipalities of the crater and the plateau, combat depopulation, and promote experiential, sustainable, and community-oriented tourism. The Storytelling Villages network brings together fifteen Gran Sasso villages, including Barisciano, Calascio, Capestrano, Navelli, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi itself.

Who it is for

The Storytelling Sundays are ideal for families, hikers, curious travelers, and village enthusiasts. No special athletic skills are required: just comfortable shoes, a desire to walk, and a willingness to listen. All activities are free, but booking with the organizers is recommended.