Celano
Welcome to Celano: Discovering this Abruzzese town!
Welcome to Celano, a town in the heart of Abruzzo located on the Fucino plain and nestled at the foot of Mount Tino. Let's discover together the beauties and characteristics of this town with 10,276 inhabitants.
The physical geography of Celano
Celano is situated in a privileged position, dominating the Fucino plain and settling on the slopes of Mount Tino, also known as Serra di Celano. This mountain, reaching 1923 meters, is part of the mountain group of Sirente-Velino and offers a breathtaking view of the city below. Not only that: part of Celano's territory is included in the Sirente-Velino regional natural park, where nature is intact and offers numerous hiking trails.
Among the natural wonders of Celano, we find the Celano gorges, which descend from the Arano valley and offer a suggestive scenery just a short walk from the city center. The 696 state road of the Sirente-Velino Regional Park connects Celano to Ovindoli and the Rocche plateau, allowing easy access to other natural beauties of Abruzzo.
The climate in Celano
Celano has a Mediterranean climate, with cold winters and hot and dry summers. According to data from ARSSA (Regional Agency for Agricultural Development Services), recorded in the period 1951-2000, the average annual temperature in Celano is 11.3°C. In winter, temperatures can drop below zero, but it is rare for significant snowfalls to occur.
Origins of Celano's name
The toponym Celano, which in Marsican dialect is pronounced "Celanë", has uncertain origins. According to some scholars, it would come from "Vicus Caelanum", while others trace it back to names such as "Caela", "Cele" or "Coele". In any case, the name Celano is linked to the millennial history of this city, which has seen human presence since the Upper Paleolithic.
The history of Celano
Human presence in Celano dates back to 18,000 years ago when the Paleolithic settlement began. Over the centuries, Celano was inhabited by different populations, including the Marsi, who played an important role in the history of Abruzzo.
During the Roman era, the territory of Celano was part of the Ager publicus of Alba Fucens, but after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory was abandoned due to a lack of maintenance of the infrastructure.
In the Middle Ages, the Gastaldato of the Marsi was elevated to the county of the Marsi by the sons of Lothair I, conferring on it administrative power over the region. In the 12th century, Celano became the property of the Normans, who fortified it and made it an important strategic center of the region.
Discovering Celano
Celano is a city rich in history and charm, with numerous tourist attractions to visit. One of the most important attractions is the Piccolomini Castle, an imposing fortress dating back to the 13th century that dominates the city from Mount Oretino. The castle houses the Archaeological Museum of Celano, where it is possible to discover the millennial history of human settlement in this region.
In addition to the castle, Celano offers numerous other attractions such as the Baronial Palace, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Mascherone Fountain, and the Civic Tower. But Celano's attractions are not limited to the city alone: in the surrounding area, it is possible to go hiking, admiring the natural wonders of the Sirente-Velino regional natural park and the beauties of Lake Fucino.
Come and discover Celano and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Abruzzo!
