According to popular tradition, the village of Roccavecchia was swept away by an avalanche. Of the ancient settlement only the rubble of the foundations and of the walls that formed the houses now remains. Only the small sanctuary has been rebuilt, and here the Madonna delle Grazie is venerated with great devotion.
In the valley that leads from Avezzano to Sora (Valle Roveto) a great number of villages and towns stand along the mountainsides. Among these is the small settlement of Roccavivi , the newer village, which has ancient origins. The old village of Roccavivi was the smaller village of Roccavecchia, a 13th-century settlement.
According to popular tradition (but also according to more recent historical evidence) the village of Roccavecchia was swept away by an avalanche on 8 February 1616. Of the ancient settlement only the rubble of the foundations and of the walls that formed the houses now remains. Only the small sanctuary has been rebuilt, and here the Madonna delle Grazie is venerated with great devotion.
The place is truly fascinating and looked after with great care. You reach it by a flight of stone steps that in spring is always kept in flower.
The view looks out over Valle Roveto and the long ridge of Serralunga. A place of delicate sensations, but of a deep spirituality. To the hiker, but above all to the pilgrim, we suggest going there on foot rather than by car, although driving is not forbidden, only so as not to break that delicate balance of silence and spirituality found at the sanctuary.
The alternative is to stop the car at the drinking fountain and walk the last stretch. The part to be done on foot is about 4.5 km, with a height gain of 320 metres. In this case the gravel road can be walked even with children and young hikers.
It can make a curious hiking route as well as a deep and true path of faith.
Also in Valle Roveto, the Zompo lo Schioppo waterfall is well worth a visit.
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