Acqualoreto
A small village with a rich history
Acqualoreto is a small but fascinating village located in the municipality of Baschi, in the province of Terni. The village takes its name from the presence of numerous water springs and laurel forests that once surrounded it.
The village has a very ancient history, dating back to the 10th century, but some archaeological remains suggest that the first settlements date back to much earlier times. Over the centuries, Acqualoreto went through several phases of evolution, becoming one of the castles that constituted the defense of Todi from Orvieto.
During the Middle Ages, the village was included in the territory of the Pieve of Sant'Angelo di Izzalini and in the Massa of the nearby Civitella del Lago. In 1219, it became a fiefdom of the Foligno Trinci, but was later ousted by the Atti and the Chiaravalle.
Acqualoreto was governed by a "mayor" assisted by "massari," and was the founder of the Monte di Pietà di Todi in 1471. Throughout its history, the village has hosted the neighboring village of Casemasce and was the center of the neighboring villages of Pigliuto and Fulignano.
Economy and events
Today, Acqualoreto hosts several agritourism companies, although like many rural villages, there are not many commercial activities within the village. In any case, the village's population continues to organize a series of traditional events, including a highly attended procession that takes place on the first Sunday after Easter. This procession is held near the Sanctuary of Madonna della Pasquarella, which in the past was a convent of the Congregation of the Camaldolese.
Monuments and art places
Acqualoreto is known for the beauty of its traditional architecture and the presence of numerous cultural and historical attractions. Among its most famous art places are the Gole del Forello, which were dug by the Tiber River, and the Sanctuary of Pasquarella, dedicated to Santa Maria dello Scoglio and dating back to the 11th century.
Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Chapel of S. Valentino, located in a panoramic position on the surrounding hills. Finally, it is worth mentioning the artisanal nativity scene with life-size statues, which every year attracts visitors from all over the world.
Conclusions
In conclusion, if you love Italian history and culture, you should seriously consider visiting Acqualoreto. This small village offers a great variety of interesting attractions, from the Sanctuary of Pasquarella to the Gole del Forello. Additionally, you can participate in the traditional procession or enjoy the delights of Italian enogastronomic culture at one of the local agritourism companies.
Despite its small size, Acqualoreto is a special place that is definitely worth visiting. If you have the opportunity to do so, you will not regret it.
