San Gregorio

Hamlet of Acquasanta Terme (AP) – 1,008 m a.s.l.

San Gregorio is a small mountain village in the Marche Apennines, nestled between chestnut woods and views that encompass the Gran Sasso, the Vettore, and the Adriatic Sea. It stands on a natural ridge overlooking the Tronto and Castellano valleys, a strategic position chosen since ancient times for territorial control.

The heart of the village is the Church of San Francesco, dating back at least to 1680, rebuilt after the devastations of the 19th century and today once again a place of reflection and memory.

Here was born Giovanni Piccioni (1798-1861), the famous “brigand” and commander of the papal army, who made his birthplace the headquarters of a battalion of over a thousand volunteers.

Today, San Gregorio retains the charm of high mountain villages, with mule tracks, centuries-old chestnut groves, and ancient customs related to wood and shepherding. In the summer months, it fills with visitors and hikers attracted by its authenticity and the nature trails that connect it to Fleno and Forcella.

The project “San Gregorio of Brigands and Springs”, funded by the PSR Marche 2014-2020, has initiated a redevelopment path for the village with the restoration of the historic fountain, an interactive info point, a webcam, and a weather station. The village is now part of the network “The Ancient Mule Tracks of Acquasantano”, which also includes the Fleno – San Gregorio Loop, one of the accessible tourism itineraries of the area.