Civitella Casanova
A Short Guide to the Municipality of Civitella Casanova
If you're looking for a peaceful mountain retreat where you can enjoy nature, Civitella Casanova might be your ideal destination. This Italian municipality in the province of Pescara in Abruzzo is located in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the Voltigno and Valle d'Angri Regional Reserve.
A Geographical Overview
The municipal territory extends over a vast area characterized by different environmental landscapes at different altitudes: hill, high hill, and mountain, with a difference in altitude of 1341 meters. The town itself is located on a hill 400 meters above sea level that slopes towards the confluence of the Schiavone and Festina streams. Civitella Casanova is the main center of the foothills of the Gran Sasso in the province of Pescara and is home to about 2,000 inhabitants.
The History of Civitella Casanova
In 1839, an article published in ''Il Gran Sasso d'Italia - Opera periodica di scienze naturali ed economiche'' described Civitella Casanova as a "very white land that absorbs water like clay" and mentioned the existence of a sulfur spring on the slope of the mountain above the town. The name of the municipality derives from the most important of the five Cistercian abbeys built in the Abruzzo region, now in ruins.
The current village of Civitella Casanova was built on the basis of an older settlement called Terravecchia, which is located on a rocky hill. Terravecchia is also the site where the ponderous Castrum of Rossi di Civitella stood, destroyed in 1456 by a devastating earthquake, and the Church of San Marco, of which only a stone remains today. Many buildings were swallowed up by a landslide that swept through much of that area, reducing it to the current strip of land that we see today. This led to the need to develop a new town on the hill to the west, up to the slopes of the mountain.
What to See in Civitella Casanova
The elongated shape of Civitella Casanova is crossed by a long straight axis flanked by almost uninterrupted rows of houses, which some consider to be one of the longest courses in the entire province of Pescara. Terravecchia is now very charming, with its stone and brick walls, winding streets, and steep staircases. The architecture of the municipality is still of considerable interest.
Cima della Cioccola is the highest point in the municipal territory, reachable while walking in Baffo and Centelle, another fraction of the municipality. Once you reach the top, the view you can admire is breathtaking.
Conclusion
In summary, Civitella Casanova is the perfect place for those who seek a peaceful life immersed in the unspoiled nature of the Abruzzo mountains. The town is right in the center of the surrounding natural reserves and offers the possibility of long walks or bike rides. Moreover, the beauty of the historical center and Terravecchia will surprise you.
