Rivisondoli

A picturesque village nestled between the Abruzzo National Park and the Maiella National Park, Rivisondoli is a well-known Abruzzo tourist destination that attracts visitors year-round. Situated at 1,365 metres altitude between the towns of Roccaraso and Pescocostanzo, Rivisondoli rises in truly wonderful natural surroundings.

Surrounded by the Altopiano delle Cinque Miglia plateau, Rivisondoli is a popular destination both in summer for its excellent outdoor activities and in winter thanks to a top-quality ski resort on Monte Pratello.

Rivisondoli’s historic centre features the classic layout of a medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop, with a compact urban structure, narrow stepped streets and fortified walls lined with terraced houses. This small village, which once relied on farming and livestock rearing, gained greater significance between the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was connected to the Sulmona-Isernia railway line.

The turning point came in the 20th century when King Victor Emmanuel II visited Rivisondoli with his family, helping put this splendid Abruzzo destination on the map. From then on, the town’s popularity grew steadily, boosted by its proximity to Roccaraso. Today, Rivisondoli is one of the region’s most renowned ski resorts and a thriving destination for summer visitors too.

The village of Rivisondoli

The village of Rivisondoli centres on a historic core that still bears traces of its ancient fortifications. Walking through the town’s streets, you’ll spot the city gates, including Porta Antonetta from the 15th century, the Porta di Mezzo and the gateway near Palazzo Sardi.

In the town centre stands the Church of San Nicola di Bari, which was rebuilt in 1912 and now features a striking facade of red brick with white stone finishes. Inside, the building houses several 17th-century artworks, an attractive wooden triptych and a crucifix dating to the 1700s.

Unfortunately, numerous earthquakes have struck the area over the years, destroying parts of the city’s artistic and architectural heritage. Nevertheless, Rivisondoli still preserves many points of interest, including the Church of Suffragio, the Church of Sant’Anna and several charming 18th-century palaces.

Two kilometres outside the town centre stands the Santuario Romitorio di Maria SS della Portella, a complex built in 1589 on the edge of the Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia. This church was a retreat for hermits seeking solitude for meditation and prayer, and it sometimes welcomed travellers. The interior features a single nave with a polychrome marble main altar and a relief of the Madonna and Child. Beneath the choir loft lies the tombstone of the first hermit to stay in this church.

Rivisondoli has also become famous over the years for the atmospheric Living Nativity staged in the town since 1951. Every 5 January, the town centre hosts a re-enactment of the birth of Jesus through living tableaux, with the youngest child born in town that year playing the baby Jesus. This celebrated event is a deeply cherished tradition that draws visitors from neighbouring towns.

Rivisondoli Thermal Springs

If you fancy a relaxing break, Rivisondoli won’t disappoint you thanks to the “Terme Alte” spa facility, a haven of peace surrounded by lush vegetation. This centre offers both beauty treatments and thermal programmes thanks to its special thermal water.

The facility is the ideal place to unwind and shake off the stresses of everyday life, with thermal showers, sensation showers, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a thermal water pool and a relaxation room offering wonderful views over the plateau.

Skiing at Rivisondoli

About 3 km from Rivisondoli town centre are the ski facilities of Rivisondoli – Monte Pratello, a ski area stretching from 1,390 metres at the base to 2,056 metres at Monte Pratello’s summit. Here you’ll find 35 km of slopes, including the black run Monte Pratello – Direttissima, an exhilarating descent over two kilometres long.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can explore trails winding across the Piano delle Cinquemiglia, and there are also plenty of opportunities for ski mountaineering. It’s worth noting that Monte Pratello’s lifts are connected to those at Roccaraso, together forming the Alto Sangro ski resort, which boasts over 100 km of slopes.

Where to stay in Rivisondoli

Rivisondoli has several accommodation options for visitors. From elegant hotels to characterful bed & breakfasts, from campsites to residential complexes, the town offers various types of lodging to suit all needs. While there’s no accommodation right at the ski lifts, some establishments provide a shuttle service.

You can base yourself in Rivisondoli and easily visit nearby interesting towns such as Pescocostanzo and Roccaraso. As this area is especially busy in winter thanks to its excellent ski facilities, we recommend booking well in advance.

Recommended hotels in Rivisondoli

How to get to Rivisondoli

Rivisondoli is easily reached by car from major towns in central Italy. From Rome, take the A24 motorway followed by the A25 towards Pratola Peligna – Sulmona exit; then continue on the SS17 towards Rivisondoli for about 45 km.

From Naples, take the A1 motorway heading north, exit at Caianello and continue first on the SP85 then onto the SS17. From Bari, take the A14 towards Ancona and then join the A25 towards the Pratola Peligna – Sulmona exit.

The nearest airport is Abruzzo Airport near Pescara, about 107 km from Rivisondoli. From there you can reach the town by car via the A25 motorway towards Rome, exiting at Pratola Peligna and taking the SS17. Alternatively, bus services connect Pescara to Rivisondoli in under two hours. Local bus routes also link the town to other Abruzzo destinations including Sulmona, Castel di Sangro, Pescocostanzo and Roccaraso.

Rivisondoli Weather