Anversa degli Abruzzi
Anversa degli Abruzzi: A Fascinating History
Anversa degli Abruzzi is a small Italian commune in the province of L'Aquila, located in the Abruzzo region. With a population of only 304 residents, Anversa degli Abruzzi is a mountainous commune that offers a fascinating history dating back to the 11th century.
From the Origins to the Medieval Period
The surrounding areas of Anversa degli Abruzzi date back to the Cenozoic and Mesozoic periods. The area underwent orogenesis due to carbon sedimentation, meaning that the surrounding rocks contain different types of carbonates, including compact limestone.
In the 11th century, the fiefdom of Anversa belonged to the Normans who built the castle, and to the diocese of Sulmona. The first religious centers of San Cesidio di Castrovalva and Santa Maria ad Nives date back to this period. In the Catalog of Barons of the 12th century, the fiefdom of Anversa indicated that the main center of the area was Castrovalva.
The name "Anversa" dates back to the medieval period when the village was located towards the valley and the Sagittarius river, "Ad amnen versus." During the Swabian Empire, Frederick II of Swabia fought against Tommaso da Celano, who relied on his uncle Rainaldo. After their defeat, the fiefdom of Anversa was handed over to the young Rinaldo, who founded the county of the village.
Modern Era and the 20th Century
In the 15th century, the village was owned by Jacopo Caldora and later by the Aragonese, who built a ducal palace on the old abandoned castle. It was later ruled by the Di Sangro family, who held dominion until the 19th century. The village was damaged by two strong earthquakes in 1706 and 1915.
In 1905, the village was visited by the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio with the philologist from Sulmona, Antonio De Nino. D'Annunzio was impressed by the sad decay of the noble Di Sangro family and the ruins of the Norman castle. He wrote the tragic "The Torchbearer" set in Anversa degli Abruzzi: the torch in the title refers to the tall and slender ruin of the Norman castle.
In the 20th century, the population suffered a significant demographic decline and lost many residents who sought their fortune elsewhere. However, Anversa is known for the D'Annunzio literary park, established in 2002, for the natural reserve of the Sagittarius Gorges, and for the integrity of its medieval village, which earned it a place on the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Monuments and Places of Interest
If you visit Anversa degli Abruzzi, there are some places not to be missed. The first is the Norman Castle, built by the Normans in the 11th century. Although only ruins remain, the castle housed the Anversa degli Abruzzi Triptych, soon moved to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In 1981, someone stole it and replaced it with a copy.
Other places of interest include the Lombardi houses, built between 1480 and 1520, and the churches. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie dates back to the 16th century and is in Romanesque art with three naves. The Church of San Marcello dates back to the 11th century, and its portal is in late Gothic style. The Church of Santa Maria ad Nives was in Romanesque style, and now the ruins remain a little downstream towards the Sagittarius Gorges. The Church of San Vincenzo de Flaturno dates back to the 13th century, and only remains of the walls remain.
In Castrovalva, there are three interesting churches, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Santa Maria della Neve of the 16th century, and San Michele Arcangelo of the 12th century. There are also the gates: Porta Pazziana and Porta San Nicola. The necropolises of Cava della Rena, San Carlo-Fonte Curato, and Coccitelle are places with archaeological remains to see. Finally, the Sagittarius Gorges botanical garden is an ideal place for nature lovers.
Anversa degli Abruzzi offers a mix of history, culture, and nature. Its location among the mountains makes it a peaceful and picturesque place, perfect for a relaxing vacation. A visit to Anversa degli Abruzzi will take you back in time and make you feel like you are living in another era.
