Cepagatti
Getting to know Cepagatti, a small hilly treasure in Abruzzo
Cepagatti, an Italian municipality located in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo, is a small treasure of archaeological and cultural riches. With a population of just over 10,000 inhabitants, the town offers peaceful tranquility thanks to its hilly location, towards the northern shore of Val Pescara. In this article, we will explore the history and attractions of this fascinating place.
Physical geography
The town is famous for its hilly landscape and is located on the northern shore of Val Pescara. The municipal seat is at 145 meters above sea level, but heights vary from 100 to 175 meters above sea level. Cepagatti is crossed by the Aterno-Pescara River and the Nora stream. It borders Pianella to the northwest, Rosciano to the south, Chieti and San Giovanni Teatino to the east, and Spoltore to the northeast.
History
The first mention of Cepagatti dates back to 1147 as "Zepagattum", then "Cippagattum" in 1273. The toponym derives from the Abruzzese "cipaiàttë", a term that indicates Roman garlic. Throughout history, the town has experienced many lordships and dominations, and in 1458 the Valignani family acquired possession of the municipality, initiating the economic exploitation of the territory. The Chietina Valignani family, in fact, took part in the reclamation of marshes and woods, offering land and houses to peasants who wanted to cultivate them. This made the city grow a lot, making it strategically important in Abruzzo.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architectures
There are many churches of great historical and artistic interest that have been built in the municipality over the centuries. The Church of Santa Lucia Vergine e Martire is one of the most famous churches. It was built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and has a neoclassical-style facade with a large stone pediment of Maiella. Another important church is the Chiesetta di San Rocco, which dates back to 1657 and is part of the Marcantonio castle complex.
Military architectures
The Torre Alex is one of the main attractions of Cepagatti. Named after Alessandro Valignani, the feudal lord of the village since 1632, it is the main reference point of the village and over time it has always represented the place of power. The tower was built on the remains of an existing Roman villa, and in its basement, there are numerous archaeological remains of ancient and late medieval site stratifications.
Conclusions
Cepagatti is a city that has a lot to offer to tourists and visitors, starting from a relaxing hilly atmosphere. The history, the historical and artistic attractions and the beautiful views of the city contribute to making it an ideal place for a visit. The city is easily accessible and is close to other important attractions such as the city of Pescara and the Adriatic Sea. If you are looking for a quiet and charming place to spend a weekend or a short vacation, Cepagatti is definitely an excellent choice.
