Poggio Cinolfo
Poggio Cinolfo: the hidden gem in the mountains of Abruzzo
Physical Geography
Welcome to Poggio Cinolfo, a charming hamlet located in the municipality of Carsoli, in Abruzzo. The village, situated at 713 meters on the northern slope of the Carseolani mountains, is home to about 480 people. From here, you can admire the plain of Cavaliere and the peaks of the most important mountain ranges in the area, such as Mount Terminillo to the north and Mount Velino to the east. Poggio Cinolfo borders Collalto Sabino to the north, Vivaro Romano to the west, Civita (Oricola) to the south, and Carsoli to the east. Although it is located near the municipal capital, it is about 3 kilometers away from the center.
History
The name Poggio Cinolfo may derive from Siginulfo, a Berardi exponent who lived in the area. According to the historian Muzio Febonio and an ancient Oscan epigraph, the original toponym of the village was Podio Dinolfi. The village was probably built by the king of the Lombards, Agilulfo, belonging like all the centers of the Via Tiburtina Valeria province to the duchy of Spoleto until the second half of the 18th century. The area where the village is located was located on the border of the areas contested by the Equi and the Marsi. The first settlements date back to the third century B.C., but it was during the medieval castling that the urban nucleus developed the most. During the Middle Ages, the village was known by the names of Poggio Siginolfo or Poggio Ginolfo, depending on the lord of the town, who in this case was an exponent of the Berardi family of the county of Marsi. After the Norman conquest of southern Italy in the twelfth century, Poggio Cinolfo belonged to the county of Carsoli, later becoming a fief of the Orsini. In the eighteenth century, some members of the noble Firenze dei Segni family settled in the village, at their property palace on Via Aginulfo. The last feudal lords were the Coletti, a family settled in these villages of the duchy of Tagliacozzo such as Pietrasecca and Tufo (Carsoli) and in the lands of Val de' Varri, before the abolition of feudalism.
The Beauties of Poggio Cinolfo
Religious Architecture
Poggio Cinolfo boasts several religious architectures, among which the Church of Santa Maria Assunta stands out. This religious building was made of local stone by the stonecutter Giambattista Colucci. The church, built where there was already a pre-existing church, was completed by Countess Lucretia Marcellini Marciani and has an engraving from the year 1734 that could indicate the date of foundation. The church was consecrated in 1788, has a wide and bright nave, the main altar, and four side altars. Inside you can admire the altarpiece depicting the Assumption of the Virgin (attributed by some scholars to Agostino Masucci, Giuseppe Bottani, and Stefano Pozzi), the paintings of the Eternal Father, the Virgin who crushes the serpent, and the ancient coats of arms.
Poggio Cinolfo is not only known for its religious architecture but also for the natural beauties of the Carseolani Mountains. In particular, the hamlet is considered a pleasant Abruzzo holiday destination preferred by Romans in the summer. From naturalistic itineraries to trekking, from extreme sports such as paragliding to relaxation in panoramic gardens, Poggio Cinolfo offers many activities for all tastes.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning the Baronial Palace, from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley. The palace, dating back to the time of the Orsini, was used in the past as a prison and then as an elementary school. Today, however, it is a museum building and often hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Poggio Cinolfo is a charming mountain village rich in history. Anyone who wants to visit the area would be happy to know that the town remained intact after the Marsica earthquake of 1915, thanks to the geological conformation of the rocks and the territory. From here, you can admire the imposing peaks of the surrounding mountains while relaxing in one of the panoramic gardens. Finally, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baronial Palace are among the most important landmarks of the village. Come and discover the charm of this enchanting place and you will be fascinated by its beauty.
