Imagine a natural amphitheater where houses climb rocky slopes, overlooking lakes with clear, green waters. A place where unspoiled nature blends with millennia-old history and spirituality. This is Villalago, an ancient fortified village in the heart of Abruzzo, which is bidding to become the next “Village of Villages” in the 13th edition of the popular Rai 3 program.
The municipal administration enthusiastically accepted the invitation to participate, and rightfully so. Villalago, already listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, “ is a jewel set between the enchanting artificial lake of San Domenico and the strikingnatural lake of Scanno. Its name, from the Latin Valle de Lacu, evokes the presence of nine lakes, a sign of an unbreakable bond with water, an element that shapes its landscape and soul. From the Sagittario, Giordano and Sega rivers to the springs gushing everywhere, Villalago is an oasis of freshness and life.
A journey through time and nature
To get lost in Villalago is to embark on a journey back in time. The present historic center, built in the 11th century, is a labyrinth of steps, narrow alleys and scenic little squares. Walking through its streets, one can admire the characteristic“suppuort“: ancient stone arches supporting houses and carved coats of arms telling stories of families and trades. Going up from the Celestino Lupi square, one reaches the Abruzzi Romanesque-style parish church, which holds valuable works of art, such as the 1521 painting depicting the Madonna of the Rosary and the monumental altar of St. Dominic.
But Villalago’s most emblematic and spiritual place is undoubtedly theHermitage of St. Dominic. This spiritual retreat, where the anchorite lived around 1010, stands like a gem set among rocks and emerald green waters. The church’s portal, with its Byzantine designs, and the mullioned window that opens onto a breathtaking panorama, are an invitation to contemplation and serenity. The hermitage and nearby Pio Lake, surrounded by forests of turkey oaks and beech trees, are now a nature reserve on the borders of the Abruzzo National Park, populated by a rich wildlife, to which Villalago also owes its nickname “village of deer.”
Let’s vote and let Villalago win
The beauty of the village will be told to the general public by the Rai 3 crew, which will travel to the site for the official filming. Starting on October 19, 2025, each week a video of a participating village, one from each region of Italy, will be aired. At the end of the airing, for three weeks, it will be possible to vote online for free on the program’s official website. To express your preference, simply register for free on Rai Play.
The final episode, with the proclamation of the winning village, will be held on April 5, 2026 in prime time on Rai 3. It is a unique opportunity for Villalago to become known and appreciated nationally. Its candidacy is not just a competition, but an opportunity to celebrate and enhance a heritage of inestimable value, where history, culture and nature come together in timeless magic.
The village is easily accessible from the A25 highway, exiting at Cocullo and continuing on the scenic Sagittario Gorge Road toward Scanno. The municipal administration invites everyone, citizens and non-citizens alike, to enthusiastically support this candidacy. With your help, Villalago can win the heart of Italy and become the next “Village of Villages.”
