Collelongo
Welcome to Collelongo
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover one of the many jewels of Abruzzo? Today, I'll tell you about Collelongo, a charming town located in Vallelonga, at an altitude of 915 meters above sea level, in the province of L'Aquila. The town has 1113 inhabitants and is surrounded by breathtaking nature, between the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park and the plain of Fucino.
Physical Geography
You won't be able to help but be enchanted by the lush landscape and spectacular panorama of Mount Longagna, which marks the boundary with the municipality of Trasacco. Collelongo borders other municipalities such as Balsorano, Civita d'Antino, Lecce nei Marsi, Ortucchio, San Vincenzo Valle Roveto, and Villavallelonga. The interesting archeological area of the Amplero Valley is also located in the municipality.
History
Speaking of history, we cannot fail to mention the first human settlements in this valley, dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period, around 400,000 years ago. During the Iron Age, it is possible to observe the wall fortifications of the "ocres", independent communities that later united under the single name of the Marsi. In 302 BC, the latter allied with Rome, leading to the construction of the vicus of Valle di Amplero. Currently, the archeological artifacts of Amplero are the greatest historical heritage of Collelongo.
Prehistory
But let's talk a little bit about the prehistoric discoveries dating back to the Neolithic period. Remains of villages and necropolises transport us back in time and help us understand how the nomadic populations of the valley were skilled in hunting activities. The period of the Marsi was characterized by wars and internal conflicts, as demonstrated by the clear warrior influence of the funerary sets of the round tumulus tombs.
The Marsi and the Roman period
In 302 BC, the Marsi allied with Rome, leading to the construction of the vicus of Valle di Amplero in Collelongo. Here, along the Vallelonga, many artifacts of the Marsian and Roman civilization have been discovered. It is worth taking a hike to the Amplero Valley, a unique historical and architectural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the acropolis with its temple buildings, the cistern for collecting rainwater, and the votive stipe.
Conclusions
Located amidst the enchanting nature of Abruzzo, Collelongo offers different activities in contact with nature, such as hiking, biking, and trekking. But not only that, the municipality is also famous for the traditional weaving art, practiced for centuries in the area. There is nothing better than immersing oneself in the breathtaking nature of Collelongo and being conquered by its millenary history.
