The wonderful historical center is characterized by the high towers of the imposing Caldora-Cantelmo castle (XI-XIII century), one of the most interesting castles in Abruzzo, and is enriched by the presence of several other monuments of high value such as the parish church of S. Maria Maggiore, with a rich portal of 1603 and, inside, a magnificent wooden Baroque pulpit; the church of S. Marcello Papa (XI-XII century); the church of the Immacolata and the seventeenth-century fountain in Piazza del Popolo. Extraordinarily suggestive the numerous alleys in the most ancient part of the town.
The village has been one of the most important and well-known centers of L'Aquila for the ability and the patient industriousness of its women, who spun and wove silk (the handkerchiefs of Pacentro were already famous in the 18th century), linen and hemp and were masters in the art of embroidery. Still today, their crochet and embroidery works are splendid: favors, centers, bedspreads, tablecloths, etc. With the tender stone of Majella are made fireplaces and home furnishings.
In the last few decades Pacentro has acquired international notoriety as the town of origin of the family of the famous singer-actress Madonna.
