L’AQUILA – The visit of Minister Gennaro Sangiulian in Abruzzo, accompanied by the president of the regional council Marco Marsiliohas today included significant milestones such as Capistrello, Pisces, Balsorano, Alba Fucens and the San Filippo Theater in L’Aquila to close the tour, together with mayor Pierluigi blondein the Municipality, for the signing of the agreement that will allow the recovery of the municipal theater.
Marsilio underlined the importance of a concrete commitment to the valorisation of cultural heritage which preserves the historical memory and identity of these places, thus contributing to economic and tourism development by generating job opportunities and growth for local communities.
“The presence of Minister Sangiuliano – commented Marsilio – it is a tangible sign of the Government’s attention towards Abruzzo, so rich in history, traditions and natural beauty. His visit represented an important opportunity to discuss and promote our proposals for cultural, social and economic revitalization. The support received encourages us to continue with determination on the path to valorise and relaunch our cultural heritage. This is a significant moment that strengthens the bond between the territory and national institutions. It highlights the importance of culture as a driver of development and social cohesion and provides an opportunity to discuss and promote strategies for relaunching internal areas, enhancing their immense potential. A very concrete, fruitful and constructive visit, we have a very solid relationship with Minister San Giuliano and we announced the financing for the L’Aquila theater already at the time of signing the cohesion agreement with Giorgia Meloni. Today we were in other important centers that mark the cultural and historical identity of our territory, from the castle of Balsorano where he also had important words on a commitment to evaluate the investigation for a possible acquisition of that manor to the public heritage A minister of culture that returns twice to Alba Fucens in three months, I think our community doesn’t remember it. We are very happy and happy that the Minister has this attention, this dedication towards Abruzzo. We are trying to build the steps with him to strengthen the collaboration. The 2026 capital of culture in L’Aquila offers us the opportunity. We are able to recover the beautiful Pescina project and today we were also at Ignazio Silone’s House Museum to enrich the artistic-cultural program of the event which will see L’Aquila as protagonist throughout 2026. The prestigious recognition does not only concern the city capital but the city of L’Aquila will interpret and is interpreting to the full its role as city-territory“.
The Minister’s tour first touched on the municipality of Capistrello, where he was welcomed by the mayor, Francesco Ciciotti and by representatives of local institutions. Then, the municipality of Balsorano, welcomed by the mayor Antonella Buffoon and by other first citizens of the municipalities of the Roveto Valley who accompanied the minister on the visit to the Piccolomini Castle. The presence of the Minister represents the desire to give visibility, dignity and resources even to lesser-known beauties as an innovative key to the development of villages that combine art, culture and tourism.
The day of discussion continued in Pescina, a city known as the “City of Silone and Mazzarino”, with its rich cultural and historical heritage which recently reached the final for the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2025. To welcome Minister Sangiuliano, Mayor Mirko Zauri.
During the visit, the Minister had the opportunity to explore the places that inspired Ignazio Silone and to learn about local initiatives aimed at promoting the country’s culture and tourism.
The next stop was Alba Fucense, on the slopes of Monte Velino in the municipality of Massa d’Albe. This archaeological site of great historical importance, corresponding to the remains of an ancient Roman settlement, offered an immersion in the ancient roots of the region. Mayor Nicola was there to welcome the minister and his delegation Blasetti which illustrated the potential of the site, a historical-archaeological reality full of meanings, in the evocative environmental setting in which it is immersed. The discussion focused on strategies to enhance the tourist and cultural offer of the area, enhancing the natural and historical beauties of the area.
The day ended with a visit to the San Filippo Neri Theater in L’Aquila, symbol of the cultural rebirth of the city after the devastating earthquake of 2009. The theater is currently the subject of an important recovery intervention, made possible thanks to the funding of 5 million euros recently approved by the State Regions Conference, on the initiative of Minister Sangiuliano. The mayor of the Abruzzo capital, Pierluigi blonde, participated in the meeting, underlining the importance of the theater as the beating heart of the city’s cultural life. In the afternoon, at Palazzo Margherita, signing of the agreement for the assignment of the activities for completing the seismic improvement works of the municipal theatre.
