Situated on a hill that once dominated Lake Fucino, the largest lake in central Italy drained in the latter part of the 19th century, overlooks now the fertile Fucino Basin. The ancient part is grouped round the castle, where the powerful Counts of Celano lived. Today this centre is economically prosperous. Traditionally, throughout Abruzzo the "celanesi" are considered stubborn and aggressive, but we do not really believe it. There's also a story - don't know if true - that they hanged a referee after a soccer match. The place if definitely worth seeing also if you are fond of trekking: in the direction of Ovindoli there's one of the most spectactular landscape in Abruzzo, the Gole di Celano.

A little distance from present-day Celano there was Cliternum, an ancient Equi town: The first mention of Celano dates back to the IX century, when it lay one km away from the present site. After it was destroyed in 1223 by Frederick II, the inhabitants rebuilt their houses where Celano still rises today. The County of Celano belonged to many feudal lords, among whom Lionello Acclazamora, the Piccolominis, the Perettis, the Savellis and lastly Sforza­Cabrera­Bodavillas. As many other centres in the Fucino basin, Celano was heavily hit by an earthquake on 13 January 1915, which claimed thousands of lives in the Marsica and utterly destroyed many centres.

Castello Piccolomini: the construction was started in 1392 by the Count of Celano and finished one century later by Antonio Piccolomini, whose name was given to the castle.

Chiesa di S. Giovanni Battista sec.XIII

Chiesa di S. Angelo sec.XV

Chiesa di S. Francesco sec.XV

Madonna delle Grazie sec.XI

Chiesa di S. Maria Valleverde, founded in the XII century, which contains precious works of art

Gole di Celano: a 5km-long canyon created by carsic erosion due to the Foce river. The majestic rock walls are at certain points only 3 m away. It also seems a group of Marsican bears live in the vicinity.

Events and Traditions

16-17 January Festa di S. Antonio, with bonfires in the squaare
First week in August Truffle festival
24­25­26 August Feast of SS. Martiri