Montegualtieri
The Montegualtieri Tower
The Montegualtieri Tower is a fortress located in Abruzzo, in the homonymous hamlet of Cermignano. It is located on a hill that overlooks the Valle del Vomano, at an altitude of 260 meters above sea level. The structure has been preserved in its triangular shape, which rises above the underlying oval-shaped village. The tower represents the highest part of a defensive system that completely surrounded the village.
The History of the Tower
The Montegualtieri Tower was part of a network of optical communications for the defense of the territory. It was essentially a tool for observation and communication within the defensive system. The tower controlled the two important communication routes of Abruzzo, the Via Cecilia and the road that connected the cities of Ascoli Piceno, Teramo, and Penne. In the twelfth century, the village was surrounded by walls and was owned by the Acquaviva di Atri family. The name of the village and the tower could derive from the name of one of the first members of the family, such as Gualtieri d'Acquaviva.
The Tourist-Religious Itinerary
The Montegualtieri Tower is included in the tourist-religious itinerary known as the "Valle delle Abbazie". This area of Abruzzo is rich in historical and religious testimonies, and is highly appreciated by tourists.
The View from the Tower
The Montegualtieri Tower offers a wide panoramic view that extends from the Adriatic Sea to the Gran Sasso mountain range. Along the valley, the dominant construction marked the passage of the Cecilia Road and the road that connected the cities of Ascoli Piceno, Teramo, and Penne.
The Other Gualtieri Towers
The presence of numerous towers of the Acquaviva di Gualtieri family in different parts of the territory suggests that the fortifications served as strategic control points to ensure the safety of the territory owned by the family.
Conclusions
The Montegualtieri Tower represents an important historical and architectural testimony of the Abruzzo territory. Thanks to its strategic position, the tower was a valid tool for control and defense of the Abruzzo territory. Today, the tower is a tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world.
