Cellino Attanasio
Cellino Attanasio: an Enchanting Place
If you love nature and are looking for an enchanting destination to spend your vacation, Cellino Attanasio may be the perfect place for you! This Italian municipality, located in the province of Teramo in Abruzzo, is situated on the watershed between the Vomano Valley and the Piomba Valley, surrounded by hills and waterways that make the landscape truly picturesque.
Physical Geography: The Landscape of Cellino Attanasio
Cellino Attanasio is located at an altitude of about 430 meters above sea level and is characterized by a temperate climate. Thanks to its location not far from the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso, the city can enjoy a favorable climate all year round.
In winter, heavy snowfalls are not uncommon in this area, especially when sea invasions occur. The landscape of Cellino Attanasio is characterized by hills and waterways, giving the place a magical atmosphere. Over 70% of the population lives in isolated houses or small nuclei due to sharecropping of agricultural companies.
The Vomano River and the Piomba River, both present in the municipality of Cellino Attanasio, have different characteristics: the Vomano is the main river of the province of Teramo and is regulated upstream for the production of electrical energy, while the Piomba has a predominantly torrential character. Also, the calanchi, particular clayey slopes called badlands, present in the eastern part of the municipal territory, contribute to enriching the ecosystem of this area.
History: Testimonies of the Past
The territory of Cellino Attanasio has been frequented since the Bronze Age, and in Roman times, a vicus and rustic villas were present in various locations. In the fourteenth century, the town passed to the Benedictines of the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, and later to the Acquaviva family, who held it almost continuously until the eighteenth century. This family fortified Cellino Attanasio equipping it with nine cylindrical breakwater and angular towers, of which only two remain in good condition. Even today, the traces of the previous fortification equipped with scarped walls and breakwater turrets are well visible.
The town has undergone various invasions, including those of the Angevins Matteo di Capua in 1462 and Ascanio Colonna in 1485-1486. In 1798, the town was invaded by French troops.
Monuments and Places of Interest: The Beauty of Cellino Attanasio
The historic center of Cellino Attanasio preserves the medieval layout and offers visitors narrow streets, stairways, squares, and views that make the landscape truly picturesque. A portion of the city walls is still present today, along with two towers that testify to the village's strength.
The parish church of Santa Maria La Nova, built in Renaissance style, and with a portal from 1424 by Matteo De Caprio, is another place of historical and artistic interest in Cellino Attanasio. In the church, you can also admire two wooden altars and a funerary monument dedicated to Giovanni Battista Acquaviva, who died at the age of only 14 in 1496.
Conclusion: Cellino Attanasio is Waiting for You!
In conclusion, if you want to spend your vacation in an enchanting place, rich in history, art, and nature, Cellino Attanasio is the right choice for you. Do not miss the opportunity to visit such a fascinating and unique area in the world!
