The best cycling routes around Manoppello

The history of the Monument to Eddy Merckx, located in Roccamorice on the ramps leading to the Blockhaus, is a story that inextricably links the Belgian champion to the Maiella massif, celebrating both sporting glory and human generosity. Its roots lie in a day that changed the history of mountains in cycling: the stage of the 1970 Giro d'Italia, the first time the corsa rosa challenged the summit of the Blockhaus. On that occasion, a young Merckx – soon known as the "Cannibal" – achieved an epic feat, leaving all his rivals behind and securing a victory that became legendary. But it was a gesture that followed the victory to cement the community's affection: it is said that Merckx, immediately after the triumph, left the prize money he won to charity. To honor this double legacy, sporting and moral, and in view of the centenary of the Giro d'Italia, the municipality of Roccamorice promoted the initiative for a monument. The work was carried out by the local artisan Fra

The Cathedral of Saints Valentine and Damian (real name) in San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore (PE) is not only the spiritual center of the village, but also a tangible testimony to its millennia-old history. Its roots date back to around the year 1000, when the village, initially known as Castrum Petrae, became the burial place (and subsequent transfer of the bodies) of the Holy Martyrs Valentine and Damian, elevating the site to a pilgrimage destination and decreeing its name change. The current building is the result of a long process of destruction and rebirth, typical of Abruzzo towns. The most crucial moment was the great Maiella earthquake of 1706, which devastated much of the area and necessitated almost complete reconstruction. It was following this earthquake that the church took on its most distinctive character. The interior, in fact, is a magnificent example of sumptuous 18th-century Baroque, the result of restoration work carried out between 1777 and 1791. Here, the wide single nave unfolds beneath a richly decorated barrel vault, punctuated by pilasters with Corinthian capitals, creating an atmosphere of great elegance and sumptuousness. In stark contrast to this interior grace, the exterior boasts a powerful salient façade flanked by twin bell towers. This end block was added only more recently (between 1920 and 1931), designed by architect Antonio Liberi, giving the cathedral the monumental appearance we know today. Guardian of the remains of the patron saints and a symbol of the village's resilience after natural disasters, the cathedral perfectly embodies the faith and history of San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore.

Access to the bridge half-hidden by vegetation, a structure almost excessive for the path that connects it

The village of Rosciano sits on the rolling hills of Abruzzo, dominated by a medieval tower that tells the story of centuries of history. The village is immersed in a landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and authentic traditions.

The cycle bridge over the Pescara River is somewhat hidden by vegetation but accessible via two dirt ramps. Muddy conditions are likely in case of rain.

The place is located on the Lavino cycle path, therefore, it is an excellent stop before reaching the park of the same name.

San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore and Pino sulla Sponda del Lago Maggiore (Lombardy, Varese province) are places with the longest name that I have come across in Italy.

Popularly called "Castelluccio" it dominates, from its hilly position, the town of Torre De' Passeri. Since 1980 it has been home to the Casa di Dante Institute of Studies and Research in Abruzzo.