SHARRYLAND
Civitella del Tronto and its Fortress
At the back of the rock ridge, an architectural gem overlooking the hills of Teramo
Where is
What it is and where it is
Civitella del Tronto is a municipality of about 4800 inhabitants, located in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its fortress, on the top of the municipal territory, is considered the most visited monument in the Abruzzo region.
Why it is special
If you come from Campli, you will be confronted with an extraordinary sight: Civitella del Tronto will appear as a high relief of travertine worked by hand and carved into the mountainside. On the top towers the fortress that, proud and imperious like the governors who have inhabited it over the centuries, dominates the surrounding landscape. From up there, however, the landscape is 360 degrees. To the west the high mountains that are part of the Gran Sasso complex, to the east the endless hills of Teramo as far as the eye can see.
Not to be missed
If you enter the fortress, you cannot fail to visit each and every nook and cranny: the kitchens, the old ovens, the ruins of the chambers, the baths, the prisons, the officers' and governors' quarters, the Church of St. James, and the weapons museum. Yet, you will have the most striking experience when you look around, outside the walls of the fortress, as you will realize that you are on the "Roof of Teramano."
A bit of history
The first certain historical record of the town dates back to 1001, when the name Tibitella appears in a notarial deed. It was a fortified town, as it had to protect itself from the constant raids of the Hungarians and Saracens. During the 13th century, after a conflict with Ascoli Piceno, Pope Alexander IV saved the Civitellese and ordered the fortification of the town. Later Charles of Anjou understood the strategic importance of the town, which, over the centuries, after continuous fortification work, became almost impregnable. In fact, in 1557 it was laid siege to by the French Duke of Guise, general of Henry II, who, although fierce and violent, failed to conquer the city, so much so that in May of that year, he lifted the siege and retreated to Ancona.
Curiosities
In addition to being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Civitella holds another record, namely that of the "Ruetta d'Italia, the narrowest road," complete with an official plaque.
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