Historical/archaeological itinerary: the Pagan Temple of Pagliaroli and Rocca Roseto
We begin our journey from Cortino and head towards Pagliaroli, where at the Church of San Salvatore we can admire the archaeological excavations which in 1975 brought to light an ancient Pagan Temple dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. Both inside and outside the walls of the church, these excavations are clearly visible and offer us a window into the past.
We continue our journey along the Provincial Road 47 to Crognaleto-S.Giorgio and after about 4 or 5 km we find ourselves on a vast plateau called "Piano Roseto". At the end of this plateau, taking the road to S.Giorgio, on the left about 100 meters from the main road we find a hill covered by vegetation which hides the remains of the fortress. On the other side, the eastern slope still clearly presents the wall which rises imposingly above a large sandstone boulder.
The strategic position of the Rocca allows it to dominate the view towards the Vomano valley and the Gran Sasso chain on one side, and on Monte Gorzano, the Laghetta and Monte di Mezzo on the other, making it a privileged observation point on the road system of the surrounding mountain area.