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A very undulating stage culminating in an entirely flat finish. The route includes several Apennine climbs of considerable length (around 15 km each) but not particularly steep, before descending into the Fucino plain. Upon reaching Trasacco, the riders will complete a 14 km circuit, repeated twice.
Last kilometers
The final kilometers take place on a completely flat circuit, repeated twice. The circuit consists of perfectly straight roads connected by right-angle turns. The section through the town center is slightly more technical. The finish is on asphalt, with a road width of 8 meters.
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Host city:
Norcia
Trasacco
Overview
Trasacco, located in the province of L’Aquila, in the Italian region of Abruzzo, is a town of about 6,000 inhabitants. It lies on the southern side of the former Fucino lakebed, at the foot of Mount Labbrone. The name “Trasacco” derives from the Latin Transaquas, meaning “beyond the waters,” referring to its position relative to Lake Fucino.
Trasacco’s origins date back to pre-Roman times, when it was known as Supna (Supinum). During the Roman era, Emperor Claudius undertook the first drainage of Lake Fucino, and the settlement acquired the name Transaquas. The town developed further in the Middle Ages, with buildings constructed around the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino.
Trasacco boasts a rich history, featuring landmarks such as the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino, Febonio Tower, and Continenza Cave. The town offers stunning views of the Abruzzo mountains and serves as an excellent base for exploring the Marsica region and the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. Additionally, Trasacco hosts several traditional fairs, including the San Cesidio Fair and the Plants and Flowers Fair, held on Easter Monday.
Food
The Marsica region, particularly Trasacco, is known for its traditional products and culinary specialties. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Fucino Potato: a variety of potato recognized as a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product.
- Fucino Plateau Carrot: also recognized as PGI.
- Roscetta Chestnut of the Roveto Valley: A local chestnut variety.
- Limoncella Apple of the Giovenco Valley: A highly appreciated apple variety.
- Ancient Solina Wheat: an old wheat variety used for flour production.
Local Dishes
- Maccheroni alla chitarra: handmade long pasta cut with a traditional “guitar” tool
- Sagne with beans: homemade pasta served with beans.
- Arrosticini: small skewers of grilled lamb.
- Pecora ajo cotturo: slow-cooked sheep meat in a spiced sauce.
- Mostaccioli Abruzzesi (Murzitti): pastries made with flour and eggs, filled with a mixture of cocoa, chickpeas, or walnuts.
These products and dishes are great examples of the rich culinary tradition of Marsica and Trasacco.
Wines and Beverage
Typical drinks of the Marsica region and Trasacco include:
- Santa Croce Oligomineral Water: Bottled in Canistro, this is one of the most renowned mineral waters in the region.
- Craft beers: various artisanal breweries in Marsica produce unique, high-quality beers.
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: one of the region’s most famous wines, primarily produced in the wineries of Paterno dei Marsi.
- Amaro Taccone: a well-known bitter liqueur from Massa d’Albe, valued for its digestive properties.
- Fragolino: a sweet and fruity bitter liqueur produced in Pescasseroli.
- Abruzzese Nocino: a walnut-based bitter liqueur.
- Genziana Eau-de-vie: a liquor made from the medicinal gentian plant, produced in towns within the Abruzzo National Park.
- Honey from the Giovenco Valley: a high-quality honey known for its health benefits.
Points of Interest
Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino
Built in the 13th century on the remains of an ancient imperial palace of Emperor Claudius, the basilica was first initiated in 237 AD by Bishop Rufino and later entrusted to his son, Cesidio, who was martyred alongside his father. The church has an irregular rectangular plan with a gabled façade, featuring a small medieval portal and a quadrangular bell tower. Inside, the church is divided into three naves, maintaining its 14th-century structure. The pulpit dates back to the 13th century, while the floral decorations are Baroque.
Febonio Tower
The tower was constructed in three phases: the base dates back to the 12th century, the upper section to the 14th century, and the cylindrical top portion to the 15th century. It has a square base and transitions into a circular shape at the top, reaching a height of 27.5 meters. It features arrow slits, architraves, and battlements. Originally used for military purposes, the tower now serves as a historical and cultural landmark.
Continenza Cave
This cave is one of the key sites for studying cultural evolution from the Final Epigravettian to the Neolithic period in central Italy. Measuring 15 meters long and 10 meters wide, and located at 710 meters above sea level, the cave contains evidence of past human habitation, including floor layers, hearths, trout remains, and human bones. It was frequently used by villagers from the Metal Age settlements in Trasacco.