Scanno
'Dove la natura è spettacolo' or 'Where nature is a spectacle' is the hook used by the local tourism authorities to promote the territory around Scanno in the province of L'Aquila.
 The area is practically all the Alta Valle del Sagittario and is topped off by the Lago di Scanno at almost 1000 meters above sea level.
Two small towns are located either side of the lake; Scanno itself and Villalago.
Scanno has always been described as 'la cittaduzza di sapore orientale' which means 'a place of oriental flavor'.
Influence from Asia remains in the designs of the local silver and gold work which experts say come straight from Asia Minor.
Asia Minor is also where many of the inhabitants believe they can trace their ancestry, and it is interesting to note that the women used to sit cross legged on the floor of the churches as opposed to sitting on pews.
Even the traditional costumes worn by the women are notably different from the rest of Abruzzo.
The so called 'copricapo' does indeed resemble a type of turban.
The name Scanno is derived from the Latin 'Scamnun'.
This term was used in Roman times to indicate the borders of a conquered territory which had been divided and given to new owners.
Tourism is now the major growth industry in the area.
The lake, surrounding mountains and the nearby National Park of Abruzzo provide employment for many throughout the year.
The Comprensorio Scanno-Monte Rotondo is the ski area which can be reached from the town by ski lift.
The season basically lasts from mid Jan to mid April. Weekly ski passes and lessons are available.
Getting to Scanno
By train from Rome: Roma-Pescara line, get off at stazione Anversa-Villalago/Scanno.
Or direct to Sulmona and pullman to Scanno.
By car from Pescara: Autostrada A25 (Roma-Pescara), exit Cocullo, 20km along the SS479.
www.scanno.net
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