Castiglione a Casauria
Welcome to Castiglione a Casauria!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Castiglione, a small Abruzzo municipality located in the province of Pescara, in the beautiful Val Pescara. The city is famous for the San Clemente a Casauria Abbey, an example of Abruzzo Romanesque architecture. But before we get into details, let's discover a bit of history!
History
The village of ''Interpromium''
Castiglione's history dates back to ancient Roman times. The village of ''Interpromium'' was located along the Tiburtina Valeria road, between the Peligni and Marrucini tribes. The exact location of the village is unknown, but it is believed to have been near the islet of the San Clemente a Casauria Abbey. The Museum of the San Clemente Abbey houses numerous artifacts and inscriptions that testify to the existence of this ancient village.
Origins and High Middle Ages
Castiglione has Lombard origins and the current toponym was definitively adopted after the foundation of the Holy Trinity Monastery, then the San Clemente a Casauria Abbey. The oldest document attesting to the toponym Castiglione dates back to AD 980.
The San Clemente a Casauria Abbey
But let's get to Castiglione's main attraction: the San Clemente a Casauria Abbey. It is one of the greatest examples of Abruzzo Romanesque architecture, located in the heart of the village. The abbey was founded in 82 AD and dedicated to Pope Saint Clement I. Over the centuries, the abbey has been the political center of the surrounding area.
Description of the Abbey
The San Clemente a Casauria Abbey is composed of various buildings, including the church, the bell tower, the cloister, and the abbot's palace. The church is a three-aisled basilica with two apses: a central one and a lateral one. Inside the church, we can find many frescoes, including the famous "Madonna del Latte," which depicts Mary nursing the child. The bell tower was built in different epochs and features a mix of architectural styles. The cloister is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with columns and semi-circular arches. The abbot's palace, on the other hand, dates back to the 18th century and was built on the remains of previous buildings.
Visiting the Abbey
The San Clemente a Casauria Abbey is open to the public and can be visited every day. Admission is free, but you can leave a donation to contribute to the conservation of the building. Guided tours are available upon reservation and are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the abbey and its history.
What to Do in Castiglione a Casauria
In addition to visiting the abbey, Castiglione offers many other activities for visitors. The village is surrounded by nature and offers hiking trails for all levels of difficulty. Moreover, the surrounding area is famous for the production of excellent wines, such as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, and typical Abruzzese cuisine, with dishes like pasta alla chitarra and roast pork.
Conclusion
In short, Castiglione a Casauria is a small Abruzzo gem, rich in history and natural beauty. If you are on vacation in the area, I recommend visiting the San Clemente a Casauria Abbey and exploring the village's surroundings. I am sure you will be enchanted by the beauty of this area!
