Property for Sale Abruzzo, Fossa - Property in Fossa Abruzzo Italy

"I Borghi Nascosti" represents a chosen lifestyle revolving around Italian quality of life, relaxation, and beautiful rural locations for those that are looking for a retreat from the velocity and intensity of modern-day life. The medieval hamlets representing "I Borghi Nascosti" are enchanted little gems perched along the hillsides of the beautiful Valle D'Ocre in central Italy,where time has passed without changing the basic traditions, locations, habits and foods of the locals during the course of the centuries.

"I Borghi Nascosti" is the perfect answer for those that view holiday time as a moment to slow past-paced rhythms of life, and want to couple this with a one-stop shop, low-cost package that delivers a restructured house, furnished and ready for immediate
use.

Valle D'Ocre is situated in the heart of the region of Abruzzo, which is renowned as a holiday location in Italy because its abundance of natural and park land. More than a fifth of the land of the region is designated to protected, park areas, including those encompassed by the Abruzzo National Park, the Gran Sasso and the Majella National Park.

Buyers of homes in the first village, Fossa, can benefit from low-cost airlines arriving at two airports all within less than an hour and a half's drive. In addition, there are ski slopes, beaches, a lake and historical sites nearby.

The borgo is a short drive from Italy's capital city - Rome - and close to the renowned regions of Umbria and Tuscany. In the village, homeowners can enjoy the traditional qualities of everyday Italian life, including the healthy and tasty Mediterranean diet, temperate weather, oft-blue skies, and warm and friendly locals.

Fossa is situated in an enchanted location along the valley. It protected by Mount Ocre, on whose feet it is laid out. The village is famous for its artistic, historical and cultural heritage. Monasteries, the ruins of a castle and a tower dot the visual horizon of visitors, and the village is called the Stonehenge of Italy because of stone structures put in place by the ancient Vestini tribe between 1,000-800 BC.

The Convent of Sant'Angelo d'Ocre, a few minutes' drive from Fossa, is also a must for visitors Founded by Benedictine monks in 1242, it is first viewed when driving around a corner of a hilly lane, and its sheer beauty takes the breath away. It is perched on top of a promontory and dominates the lower valley from this position, and its foundations melt away into the reddish-gold carved stone that supports it. Inside, it has a Romanesque cloister and a refectory with a stunning view of the valley, and its walls bear the frescos of local artists. It is the perfect place for a relaxing, quiet visit thanks to its panoramic hillside setting.

Also well worth visiting is the beautiful Monastero di Santo Spirito d'Ocre, a monastery dating back to the 200 that is now being redeveloped as a luxury events venue.

Further up Mount Ocre still, perched on its tip, are the stunning ruins of the Ocre Castle containing an entire village and a 14th century church. Legend has it that Saint Massimo, the patron saint of nearby town Aquila, was killed here. The Castello D'Ocre was rebuilt after being destroyed by the Aquilani tribe in 1280 and today stands testament to the glory and riches of times gone by. It is also the perfect point from which to start a relaxing walk and soak in the history and the unbelievable view of the whole valley.

The village also has a long-standing tradition of culinary delights as well as pastries and biscuits, and its Dolci Avaja are well known throughout the region.

What there is to do around Fossa:

• 5 minutes to the Stiffe caves (Grotte di Stiffe underground caves)
• 10 minutes from the town of Aquila
• 15 minutes to the lake (Lago San Demetrio)
• 20 minutes to the ski slopes (http://www.campofelice.it/)
• 40 minutes from the beach.
• 1.20 minutes to Rome (Ryanair-serviced airport).
• 1.20 minutes to Pescara (Ryanair--serviced airport).

A few facts about Fossa:

• Altitude: 644 meters above
sea level.
• Distance from closest large
town: Aquila 25 km.
.. Population: 660
• Food Festivities (sagre):
Wine festivity in July and
Steak festivity in the second
week of August.
• Typical recipes: Maccheroni alla ghitarra, pasta verde, le scrippelle
'mbusse, timballo di scrippelle, 'Ndocca 'Ndocca, bracciole di Capra all'Atessana, and Caggiune e Cagiunitte