Carunchio
Carunchio: discovering an ancient fortified village
Are you searching for a place off the beaten tourist track, where you can admire the typical ancient structure of fortified villages in central Italy? Then you absolutely must visit Carunchio, a small Abruzzo town with 574 inhabitants, located in the province of Chieti. In this guide, I will tell you about the history, monuments, and points of interest of this beautiful town, which is part of the Sinello union of municipalities.
History
The first mention of Carunchio dates back to 1173, in a papal bull that confirms the borders of the archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto. Over the centuries, the town has been part of the properties of the d’Avalos, Marinelli barons, and Caracciolo princes. Originally, the settlement was located in a different area, probably in Taverna, but it was then transferred to its current position due to Saracen and Slavic incursions. Today, the old town of the city is one of the few in Abruzzo, with its ancient fortified houses and walls.
Monuments and points of interest
Fortified village
The fortified village of Carunchio occupies the highest portion of the town and is developed in overlapping concentric rings that converge in height. Here, you can admire the ruins of the castle, the fortified houses, Porta Coluccia, and the sub-portico. Furthermore, between Via Umberto I, Via Coluccia, and Via Nocicchio there is a probable tower-house. In the onciario cadastre of 1742, there is a mention of Via dei Rinforzi where the Walls (fortification) and fortified houses were located.
Fortified palaces
Carunchio boasts numerous fortified palaces, all located in Via Monte. The first layout dates back to the 13th-14th century, and the medieval ruins are traceable in the lower levels of the bell tower and the Mill of Palazzo Castelli. Moreover, the fortified palaces seem to circumscribe the shape of the ancient fortified castle. The main ones are:
- Palazzo Castelli - a combination of various elements with a quadrangular internal courtyard. The building dates back to the 16th-18th century.
- Palazzo Turdò - quadrangular in shape with corner watchtowers and a courtyard with a cistern. It dates back to the 19th century and is of fortified type.
- Palazzo Turdò Vecchio - quadrangular in shape, but only remains remain.
Churches and religious buildings
The parish church of San Giovanni Battista is located in via Monte. It dates back to a period before the 15th century, and it is linked to the castle of the town having the bell tower with the function of a watchtower. The internal areas still retain some trilobate-arched monophores probably dating back to the 13th-14th century. The portal, from 1756, is carved in stone by the artists Molise, the Calvitti of Pescopennataro. The church underwent various restorations between the 16th and 18th centuries. The interior has a single nave with a barrel vault, decorated in 1860, and restored again in the early 19th century. In the presbytery, above the choir (architecture), on the gallery, there is an organ dating back to a period between 1755 and 1792, attributed to Francesco d'Onofrio, replacing the previous instrument of 1692 by Liberatore Pallotta of Agnone recycling some sound elements. The wooden case, leaning against the wall, is vividly decorated, with a façade divided by pilaster, the columns on the sides are spiral decorated with gilded vegetal elements, the volute always on the sides are decorated with putti playing the bagpipe, the organ's crowning is characterized by the decoration with vegetal motifs. The organ has been restored.
If you are a lover of churches and religious buildings, you must visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Here you can admire its ancient structure, dating back to the period before the 15th century, and its bell tower used in the past as a watchtower.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Carunchio is a small hidden treasure of Abruzzo. If you love art, history, and architecture, you cannot miss this ancient fortified village. I am sure you will be fascinated by the beauty of its palaces and churches, and by the authentic and peaceful atmosphere that you can breathe in the streets of the town. Come and visit us!
