The town of Gessopalena, formed largely of chalk rocks, extends in a hilly area on the slopes of the Majella massif, on a ridge and perched on a hill from which probably showed the ancient castle that is now missing. The first historical informations date back to the 12th century, when Gessopalena went from family to family, to the progressive abandonment of the village for the lower areas of the country, completely abandoned in 1959. During the world war II it was occupied by the Germans, but in the later years of the war there was a very active resistance that allowed to get the gold medal for civil merit. Walking through the streets of Gessopalena, there are some churches of interest, such as the Madonna deiRaccomandati, Santa Maria Maggiore, Sant'Egidio and Sant'Antonio (or of Tozzi). The special feature not to be missed is the ancient village, built entirely of plaster, which unfortunately has gone almost completely destroyed, but you can still see the remains. In this picturesque area of the old town you can also visit the particular resistance Monument, located at the top of the old village, enjoying a breathtaking view of the Majella. During Easter there is the representation of forty years of holy Wednesday, with about 200 people and evocative soundtrack, is an important event for also for the surrounding municipalities. To visit there is also the installation of CostasVarotsos, built on the rock of "La Morgia", in the stretch of road leading from TorricellaPeligna to Gessopalena, called from the author "Horizons" wishing so to combine the human work with physical reality of the territory. Among the most interesting events organised at Gessopalena is a must to mention the cheese festival called "Buongusto: cheeses and meats ofAbruzzo" whereto taste the various types of products, "NottediGesso" that enhances the old part of the town with concerts and food stalls, and the traditional "PassionediCristo" involving approximately 200 participants.

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