Ripattoni
Let's discover the hamlet of Ripattoni
Ripattoni is a small hamlet in the province of Teramo, located in the municipality of Bellante. Here you can savor the medieval atmosphere, thanks to the presence of the Tower of Acquaviva and other attractions that testify to a glorious past.
Ripattoni: its history
The village has a long history, so much so that its name has a very ancient origin. Some documents report the toponym "Ripa Actonis", which means "Attone's Rock", probably referring to the position of the village, located near steep rocks. Moreover, the name might also be linked to the feudal lord Attone di Todino, founder of the lords of Bellante.
It is not known with precision when Ripattoni was built, but it is believed to have been constructed before Bellante, thanks to its position on a cliff, which had incredible defensive value. In fact, in the baronial tower, it is possible to see construction techniques dating back to before the year 1000, around which Bellante is thought to have been built.
Monuments and places of interest
The Tower of Acquaviva and the circular tower
The Tower of Acquaviva is certainly the most characteristic monument of Ripattoni. It rises majestically over the village and can also be admired from several kilometers away. The tower has a square plan and was born for military purposes, thanks to its strategic position.
Its history dates back to as early as 1150, but it underwent several transformations over the years. Later, with Ripattoni's entry into the feud of the Acquaviva in 1279, the village was fortified, and probably also the tower. The structure is made of stone and bricks and is still imposing despite the battlements that crowned it having disappeared.
The tower has undergone several functions over the years, from being used as the bell tower of the church of Saint Justin, to the civic tower. Currently, the tower is one of the main tourist attractions in the area.
Ripattoni today
Over the centuries, Ripattoni has been under the dominion of several aristocratic families, such as the Dukes of Atri and the Acquaviva. In the Napoleonic period, the village had the title of "Comune" or "Università", although it was administratively linked to Bellante. Subsequently, the municipality of Ripattoni was associated with that of Mosciano Sant'Angelo during Bourbon rule.
After the unification of Italy, the municipality of Ripattoni was definitively suppressed, and its territory, including the locality of San Mauro, remained merged with Mosciano. In 1929, Ripattoni became a hamlet of Bellante. Finally, between the '70s and' 80s, new neighborhoods were built along the SS 80, which were known as "Ripattoni Station" and subsequently renamed "Bellante Station."
Conclusions
Ripattoni is a small hamlet that encapsulates a great history, evidenced by the Tower of Acquaviva and other historical monuments. The strategic position of the tower, located on a steep hill, makes it a unique tourist attraction. Visiting it means taking a trip into the past and discovering one of the gems of the province of Teramo.
