Campli

Discovering Campli: a dive into the history and nature of Abruzzo

Hello friends, today I will talk about Campli, a beautiful town in the province of Teramo, in Abruzzo. Campli is known as ''Chimblë'' in Abruzzese dialect and has a population of about 6539. Since 2018, it has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and I dare say that a visit here is an absolute must.

Physical geography

Campli is located in a very strategic position. It borders Civitella del Tronto and Sant'Omero to the north, Bellante to the east, Teramo to the south, and Valle Castellana and Torricella Sicura to the west. Furthermore, it is located in an area classified as ''Zone 2'' in Italy's seismic classification, meaning that seismic activity is average. From a climatic point of view, Campli is in a ''Zone D''.

Campli: history and nature of Abruzzo.

History

But that's not all, because Campli is also part of the history of Abruzzo. Here, in fact, a necropolis dating back to the Italic period was found, which dates back to the 8th century BC. The necropolis of Campovalano, located a few kilometers from the center of Campli, was explored in the 1970s by the archaeological superintendent. Here, 600 tombs were found, spanning a chronological period from the Bronze Age to the Roman conquest.

Campovalano: a millenary civilization

The necropolis of Campovalano is of enormous historical and archaeological interest. Here, a particularly monumental tomb, number 100, was found, which suggests that it belonged to a person of high social rank, given the valuable funerary equipment present in it. In this necropolis, one can admire royal tombs with a diameter ranging from 4 to 25 meters, in which very rich funeral equipment was found.

In male tombs, weapons-related objects prevail, while in female tombs, there are knick-knacks and body care tools. After the monarchic and republican phases, the Hellenistic phase of the 3rd-1st century BC follows, with simple tombs excavated with trenches and ceramic equipment worked on a lathe. Now, a large part of these objects can be admired at the Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo at the former convent of San Francesco.

The present of Campli

Today, Campli is a modern town that offers many opportunities for tourists and residents. In the surroundings, you can take beautiful nature excursions, including the Gran Sasso National Park, whose entrance is just a few kilometers from Campli. There are also craft shops where you can buy souvenirs and ceramic objects typical of the territory's tradition. Furthermore, Campli's historic center offers the chance to admire churches, arches, and ancient palaces, including the Farnese Palace, considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Abruzzo.

In conclusion, friends, if you are looking for a dive into the history of Abruzzo and its untouched nature, Campli is definitely the right place. With its millenary necropolis, historic center, and craft shops, this wonderful town offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Thank you for following me on this journey through the wonders of Abruzzo!

Veronica Vitale
Updated Sunday, Jun 19, 2022