​The Village of Scanno and its Charm

Lago di Scanno

The Danish NGO Fee has awarded Abruzzo 9 BLUE FLAGS, the newest of which (in 2018) is to Lago Di Scanno, for its famous lake in the shape of a heart .  The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

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Traditional heavy black dress still worn by women in Scanno.

Scanno is rich with history and traditions. The village is filled with small alleys, stairs, and balconies which can be seen throughout a maze of streets.  It was once a rich village because of the taxes which were paid by the shepherds taking their sheep from the mountains to the beach both in autumn and then back again in spring. 
There are four historical doors which lead into the village with Piazza Santa Maria della Valle being the mail entrance.  Unfortunately, this door was destroyed during WWII.
In Scanno, you can still see women wearing the traditional heavy black dresses.  Many artisan are keeping the tradition of their trades alive, such as goldsmiths, cheese-making, almond sweets and bobbin lace.  The people have also kept alive the festivals and traditions of the past.  The most impressive of which is the ‘Catenaccio’ where couples dress in traditional matrimonial costume and parade through the streets to the church just as they did many                                                       years ago.

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Family owned bakery in Scanno where you can find the most delicious almond cookies.

This small village in Abruzzo is not far from our B&B.  We often take guests to Scanno because of the fabulous 45 minute journey to get there.  The journey from Roccacasale to Scanno on the rocky mountainous road through the Sagittario Gorge is spectacular. Along the way you will see the village of Cocullo, where the famous snake festival is held every May and the village of Anversa.  And just before you reach the village of Scanno on the winding road up the mountain you will find Lago di San Domenico and Lago di Scanno or Lake Scanno.  Lake Scanno is in the province of L’Aquila and is the largest natural lake in Abruzzo.  You may have seen pictures of it.  From above looking down it looks like a heart.  Half of the lake is protected by the Abruzzo National Park and in the other half is controlled by the municipality of Villalago and used for fishing (mostly of perch and trout). There are plenty of ducks on the lake and other birdlife largely composed of peregrine falcons, hawks, owls and eagles. The cool sparking waters of the lake allow for swimmers, rowers, canoeists and pedal boat riders.
 
So you can see why we take our guests to charming Scanno.  Come with us to visit this amazing village.  You’ll fall in love with Scanno, as we did. ​

Scanno in winter.

Lago di San Domenico on the road to Scanno in the village of Villalago.

The village of Scanno on a beautiful day in Spring.

A spectacular view of Anversa degli Abruzzi in the Sagittario Gorge on the way to Scanno, where we often stop for a cup of coffee.