Acquaviva Picena
Welcome to Acquaviva Picena
Hello friends, today I will talk to you about Acquaviva Picena, a beautiful Italian city in the province of Ascoli Piceno, located in Marche. With its 3643 inhabitants, Acquaviva Picena is situated on a hill overlooking the picturesque Tronto Valley, where the landscape manages to be appreciated in all its beauty. The city is located a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea and San Benedetto del Tronto, and from its medium-hill elevation (359 meters above sea level), it can offer an unforgettable spectacle, such as seeing the highest peak of the Sibillini Mountains, Mount Vettore. But not only that, on a clear day, Acquaviva Picena will give you the opportunity to admire the distant Abruzzo mountains, such as Gran Sasso and Maiella.
A brief history of Acquaviva Picena
Since prehistoric times, the city of Acquaviva Picena has become the location of numerous artifacts, especially from the Piceni era, but also from the Roman era. The Piceni settled in the area in the 6th century BC, and over time the Acquaviva territory continued to prosper thanks to the proximity of the city of Castrum Truentinum.
Barbarian invasions led to the birth of a real urban settlement, where coastal populations sought refuge on the surrounding hills to escape the Lombards and Saracens. Initially, the village of Acquaviva was owned by the Farfa Abbey, then it became under the control of the Acquaviva family (hence the name) which in the 13th century built a fortress. In 1341, the city passed under the control of the city of Fermo, of which it constituted an important stronghold in an enemy territory, preserving the coastal possessions of San Benedetto del Tronto. In the 15th century, the castle experienced a considerable demographic expansion, which led to the construction of a new urban center, Terra Nuova, which opposed Terra Vecchia.
In the 19th century, the city of Acquaviva was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy after a plebiscite. During Napoleon's Italian campaign, in 1799, anti-French forces destroyed the municipal archive, resulting in the loss of part of the local history which, however, has been reconstructed thanks to external testimony.
Monuments and places of interest
Acquaviva Picena is a city that leaves you breathless with its natural beauty and its history. Here are some of its monuments and places of interest:
Rocca di Acquaviva Picena: dating from the 13th-14th century, it is a majestic medieval fortress, one of the largest and best preserved in the Marche region. It was rebuilt in the 15th century by Baccio Pontelli.
Clock Tower: built in the 14th-15th century, the Clock Tower is another monument that will leave you amazed.
Matrice Church of San Nicolò: built in the 16th century and renovated in the 19th century, the church externally shows, on the horizontal frame facade with a tympanum, a portal carved by artisans of the Ascoli school. The interior is a Latin cross with a single nave and houses various works of art including paintings and sculptures.
San Rocco Church: dating back to the 13th century, this beautiful church is an example of Romanesque architecture.
Acquaviva Picena also boasts numerous other places of interest, such as the Municipal Theater and the Municipal Library. In addition, the city offers a wide range of restaurants and bars, where you can taste local cuisine and enjoy the nightlife.
Conclusions
If you are looking for an Italian city full of history and natural beauty, Acquaviva Picena is definitely the right choice. With its monuments and places of interest, Acquaviva Picena is a beautiful city that will give you unforgettable moments. The beauty of its landscapes and the richness of its history will leave you speechless and take you back to the time of the Piceni, Romans and barbarian invasions. Acquaviva Picena is a hidden gem in Marche that is just waiting to be discovered.
