Gessopalena
Gessopalena: A Municipality with Ancient Origins that Preserves Its Roots
Gessopalena is a municipality located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. This area extends over a territory of 31.4 km² located at the foot of the Maiella massif. The city center is located at an altitude of 654 m and its altitude varies from 237 m to 853 m, reached at Monte San Giuliano.
Physical Geography
The beauty of Gessopalena stands out from the rugged hilly reliefs where numerous watercourses such as the Aventine River and the Rio Secco, Mazzetta, Cesa, and San Giusto streams arise. In the countryside surrounding the town is La Morgia, a limestone outcrop that reaches 827 m and where an important sculpture by Greek artist Costas Varotsos can be admired.
Origins of the Name
Gessopalena owes its name to the presence of gypsum, a sedimentary rock composed mainly of anhydrous calcium sulfate. The area has been inhabited since ancient times by the Sanniti Carricini, but during the Roman period, the toponym "Terrae gypsi" spread because of the presence of gypsum. In the Middle Ages, the toponym became simply Gesso, but to distinguish it from other villages with the same name in the current Chietino, the expressions "Gesso vicino Palena" and "Gesso vicino Vasto" were added. Over time, the denomination changed to Gessopalena, although the inhabitants continue to use the term "Gesso" to refer to their town.
History
The area of Gessopalena has always hosted important settlements dating back to prehistory. In the territory of Monte San Giuliano, remains of megalithic walls from the pre-Roman period have been found, which had a defensive function for the Carricini. In the excavations carried out in Contrada Collomero and Pia’ Nicola, instead, the remains of buildings and roads were found. During the construction of the Via Peligna, a statue depicting a sphinx was found, demonstrating Roman presence in this area.
From the Middle Ages to Modern Times
The first historical document that tells of the existence of the town appears in the Memoratorium of Abbot Bertario di Montecassino, a document in which the Montecassino fiefs between the Sangro and Aventino are mentioned, including the Castellum de Gessi. In the sixteenth century, the city became a fiefdom of the Orsini, who held it until 1641, before passing it to the Caracciolo di Gissi. In 1806, the territory fell under French control, and in 1811 it became a municipality of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In the post-war period, Gessopalena went through the phase of industrialization, dictated both by agriculture and extractive activities, and the subsequent phase of deindustrialization and depopulation.
Gessopalena Today
Gessopalena is a locality that is attracting more and more tourists thanks to the presence of a wide range of activities and events. One of these events is the Corrida, a bullfighting competition that takes place annually during the summer period. In addition, the city organizes a Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of the town. During these festivities, it's possible to taste local delicacies, such as "ferratelle" and "calcioni."
Gessopalena stretches over a territory of incredible natural beauty, with numerous hiking and cycling trails. In fact, one of the most spectacular naturalistic routes is represented by the Aventino stream gorge, which offers landscapes of remarkable naturalistic charm.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Gessopalena is a municipality with ancient origins that preserves its roots. The beauty of its territory, historical treasures, and a wide range of cultural, sporting, and gastronomic events make Gessopalena one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Italy.
