Castelguidone
Castelguidone: a brief introduction
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about Castelguidone, a small town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. With its 301 inhabitants, Castelguidone is a quiet and picturesque place, nestled in the hills of the Alto Vastese.
History: secrets to be discovered
Although the history of Castelguidone is shrouded in mystery, some scholars believe that the town dates back to the early Middle Ages. The first mention of the town dates back to the 14th century, when it was called "Castrum Guidonum". In the area, some archaeological finds have been discovered, such as columns and a bronze head now preserved at the National Library Museum in Paris. During the baronial period, Castelguidone had a control function over the valley below.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Castelguidone was granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 1997. The flag is a white drape.
Monuments and places of interest: not to be missed
If you are passionate about history and architecture, in Castelguidone you will find many places of interest to visit.
Fortified village
The fortified village dates back to the 15th century, but according to some scholars it may have been built as early as the 10th or 11th century. We can still admire the remains of the walls, which are located in a portico and under-portal, as well as the ruins of the baronial palaces.
Santa Maria della Stella Church
The church of Santa Maria della Stella is located in Piazza del Plebiscito and was built in the 15th century. Unfortunately, the original church was demolished in the 20th century because it was in danger of collapse. The old church had three aisles and chapels dedicated to Saint Nicholas, Saint Vito, Saint Rocco, Mary (Mother of Jesus) of the Star and Purgatory. Today in the current church you can admire various wooden furnishings, paintings and a reliquary with the body of Saint Clementina, patron saint of Castelguidone.
Colonnade
The colonnade dates back to the 3rd century BC-1st century BC and is an important testimony of Hellenistic architecture. The colonnade is composed of four Doric-style capitals, 3.45 meters high, made of fossil limestone. In 1972 archaeological excavations began that unearthed the portico and column, which are thought to have been parts of a church. Other archaeological finds, such as ceramics, testify to the construction of houses in the area between the 4th and 10th centuries.
Municipal fountain
The municipal fountain is one of the centers of social life in Castelguidone and was built before the 18th century. The inscription on the fountain informs us that it was made by local stonemasons Pietro Sigismondi and Adamo Meo.
Conclusions
If you are looking for a quiet place to immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Abruzzo, Castelguidone is the place for you. Visit the fortified village, the church of Santa Maria della Stella, the colonnade and the municipal fountain. Have fun and enjoy the beauty of the history and culture of this wonderful town.
