Via Belfiore (formerly Via Taverna)

Discovering Via Belfiore is like taking a journey through time, where past and present meet harmoniously. Formerly known as Via Taverna, this road winds along the picturesque banks of the Forca d'Acero stream and is a must for anyone wishing to access Abruzzo.

In medieval times, Via Taverna was home to a renowned refreshment post, run by the municipality, which welcomed travelers and strangers heading to Abruzzo. This stretch of road was also the scene of stories of banditry, such as that of Marco Sciarra's famous band in the 16th century. Sciarra, known as the terror of central and southern Italy, stopped in San Donato with his retinue, including the feared Bernardino Cocuzzo, nicknamed "Mancino."

Via Taverna was an important route connecting with the ancient Marsicana road, crucial for commercial traffic at the time. With the unification of Italy in 1860, San Donato experienced moments of division between pro-Bourbon and pro-Piedmont. Historical figures such as Giustino Quadrari and Domenico Rufo paid dearly for their support of Francis II of Bourbon. Prominent among the protagonists of this period was Rosa Cedrone, the courageous wife of the Cedrone chieftain, who fought dressed as a man and found a tragic but heroic end.

In an attempt to eliminate banditry, General Pallavicini was sent to San Donato in 1875. Before disappearing into the woods, Via Belfiore opens into a widening known as Lago. This area is still alive in the memory of Sandonatesi, remembering the letter carrier from Pescasseroli, who twice a week walked the route to bring letters, and the Abruzzi muleteers who supplied the region with wood and coal.

Today, Via Belfiore is a place where history and legend intertwine, offering visitors a fascinating journey into the heart of rural Italy. A route that invites visitors to discover the stories of its ancient inhabitants and immerse themselves in the beauty of unspoiled nature.