Casoli
Welcome to Casoli di Atri!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Casoli di Atri, a picturesque hamlet of Atri, a municipality in the province of Teramo in Abruzzo, Italy. With a population of about 1085 inhabitants, Casoli di Atri is famous for its beautiful murals and the production of Ddù bbotte, a popular instrument used throughout the region.
A bit of history
Casoli di Atri is located in the lower valley of the Vomano river and is just 8 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. The hamlet is located at 189 meters above sea level and is the largest in the municipality of Atri. Moreover, there are other small hamlets such as Falsacappa, Cavallo Morto, Reggio and Stracca in the surrounding area.
The Church of Santa Marina
One of the main tourist attractions of Casoli di Atri is the Church of Santa Marina, which is located in the main square of the village. Dating back to 1326, this church has been modified over the centuries until it reached the late eighteenth-century exterior and the neoclassical interior.
The brick facade has a central oculus and a doorway with a broken tympanum. The bell tower is lateral and with sails. The interior of the church has a single nave with a semicircular apse and two chapels on the sides. At the entrance of the church, there is a carved stone font. But the most interesting element is undoubtedly the original main altar made by Marche craftsmen, created in 1646.
The Murals
But now let's talk about the famous murals of Casoli di Atri! These paintings are made on the walls of the houses by artists from all over the world. Each mural represents a story or a character related to the history of the village or Abruzzo culture. The production of murals began in the 1980s and inside the village, there are numerous observation points to admire this extraordinary work.
The Ddù bbotte
Another interesting thing to see in Casoli di Atri is the Ddù bbotte. These instruments are very popular throughout the region and are used in many Abruzzese traditions. They are mainly used for traditional dances and are made of wood, goat skin, and metal.
Conclusions
In summary, Casoli di Atri is a very welcoming and peaceful hamlet that offers many things to see and do. From its beautiful murals to the Church of Santa Marina, as well as the production of Ddù bbotte, there are many things to see and discover. If you plan to visit Italy one day, be sure to include Casoli di Atri on your list of destinations to visit. You won't regret it!
