Cagnano Amiterno
Cagnano Amiterno: a magical place between mountains and history
Cagnano Amiterno is a small municipality in the province of L'Aquila, located on the border with the province of Rieti. Its strategic location makes it a perfect place for those seeking peace and nature without giving up history and culture.
Origins of the name
The toponym "Cagnano" has Roman origins and derives from the late-Roman personal name "Canius". The specification "Amiterno" was added in the 19th century to refer to the ancient Sabine-Roman city of Amiternum.
Physical geography
The municipality's territory covers an area of 60.24 km² and is located in the upper Aterno Valley. It is part of the Amiternina mountain community, and part of its territory falls within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. The climate is typically continental, with strong daily and annual temperature fluctuations.
History
The history of Cagnano Amiterno dates back to Roman times when Amiternum was a very important city. Later, the territory was occupied by the Lombards and Normans. During the Middle Ages, Cagnano Amiterno suffered numerous attacks from Saracens, Byzantines, and Normans. In 1703, it was hit by the earthquake of L'Aquila, which caused the destruction of numerous churches and historical buildings.
Monuments and places of interest
The historical and cultural heritage of Cagnano Amiterno is very rich. Among the monuments to visit are the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, built in the 15th century, the Church of Maria Santissima della Natività, dating back to the medieval period, and the Chapel of San Rocco, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1703.
Society and demographic evolution
The municipality of Cagnano Amiterno has 1146 inhabitants. Over the years, there have been numerous population movements due to natural disasters such as the earthquake of 2009, which caused the death of many people.
Culture and events
In addition to the patronal feast celebrated in the various hamlets of the municipality, Cagnano Amiterno organizes every year the "Wild Boar Festival" in August, a festival dedicated to the animal that is very present in the territory, and the "Beer Festival", a celebration that has been taking place for more than 10 years.
Anthropogenic geography and hamlets
The municipality's territory is divided into five hamlets, each of which consists of distinct villages. The capital of the municipality is the hamlet of Cagnano Amiterno, which includes the villages of Fossatillo, Torre, Sala, San Cosimo, and Collicello.
Cagnano Amiterno is an enchanting place that deserves to be discovered. Its location immersed in the mountains and its history make it a perfect place for those seeking a holiday in nature and culture. Come and discover this gem of Abruzzo!
