Bugnara
Welcome to Bugnara
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Bugnara, a small town in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. With just over 1000 inhabitants, Bugnara is a little gem hidden among the mountains.
Physical geography
The town is located at the foot of Colle Rotondo and Mount Genzana, overlooking the beautiful Valle Peligna. And if, like me, you love nature, then you know that Abruzzo is a region that has plenty of it to offer.
Origins of the name
It is not known exactly where the name Bugnara comes from, but there are some interesting hypotheses that could fascinate lovers of ancient history. Some believe that the term Bugnara derives from "Bonae Ara", that is, an altar dedicated to the goddess Bona Dea or Cerere. This is because an ancient pagan temple was found under the church of Madonna della Neve in Bugnara, with priestesses performing a ritual. Another hypothesis could derive the name "Vignae Ara" due to the surrounding vineyards.
History
Bugnara has a fascinating ancient history. The first documented records date back to the 6th century, but the town was inhabited long before that. The church of Madonna della Neve, one of Bugnara's main attractions, dates back to the year 1000. In 1079, the village became the property of Simone di Sangro, one of the most important families in the area at that time. The di Sangro family ruled the fiefdom until 1759 with Vittoria Mariconda di Sangro. In the Ducal Palace, still owned by the di Sangro family, there is a permanent exhibition on the history of Bugnara.
The 2009 earthquake
We all remember with horror the earthquake that hit L'Aquila on April 6th, 2009. Bugnara, although 65km away from the epicenter, was severely hit. Numerous ancient buildings collapsed, and the Ducal Palace, already damaged by the earthquake of 1984, lost 500m² of flooring.
I want to emphasize that Bugnara has been rebuilt, and although some old buildings had to be demolished, the town is still a wonderful place to spend your free time in peace and safety.
Italy's most beautiful villages
Bugnara is a town that has been a member of the association of Italy's most beautiful villages since 2007 and Les Plus Beaux Villages de la Terre and città dell'olio since 2018. These awards highlight the cultural and historical importance of Bugnara.
In conclusion, dear friends, if you want to take a cultural and relaxing trip to Abruzzo, you can't miss the beauty of Bugnara and Valle Peligna. You will admire the magnificent ancient architecture, the wonderful surrounding nature, and enjoy beautiful evenings among the locals.
I hope this brief summary has sparked your interest in Bugnara. If you have any questions or want to know more, do not hesitate to contact me. Have a nice trip!
