Monticchio
Monticchio: a small hamlet of the city of L'Aquila
Monticchio is a hamlet of the city of L'Aquila located about 10 kilometers from the capital. The hamlet is part of the administrative subdivisions of Bagno-Monticchio and has a population of about 1000 inhabitants. Located at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level at the foot of the mountainous group of Monte Ocre-Monte Cagno, Monticchio is a quiet area full of history. In its vicinity, an important craft and industrial area of the eastern outskirts of L'Aquila is located.
History
Monticchio is located within the Aterno Valley, a place dominated, before the 13th century, by the cities of Aveja and Forcona, the latter being a bishopric seat before 1257. The locality was known as Monticulus, then Montecchj and Monticchio, and characterized by only a few rural houses. In the 13th century, the parish church of San Nicola was built, and later Monticchio participated, with other castles of the region, in the foundation, reconstruction, and rise of the city of L'Aquila.
The village became known during the Risorgimento for being an important recruitment center for the Carboneria, also witnessed by the arrival of Giuseppe Garibaldi in the village. During the First World War, the village lost its most famous personality, Lieutenant Andrea Bafile, later awarded the gold medal for military valor.
L'Aquila earthquake of 2009
In 2009, Monticchio was hit by the earthquake of L'Aquila along with other centers of the L'Aquila basin. The village suffered severe collapses in many houses and one victim. Despite its proximity to the epicenter, the village suffered damage and casualties much less severe than other nearby locations.
San Nicola di Bari Monastery
The San Nicola di Bari Monastery is the parish church of Monticchio. It was built in the 13th century and rebuilt after the L'Aquila earthquake of 1703. It has a compact appearance consisting of the church and a building to accommodate pilgrims. The eighteenth-century facade has classical column portals and a small rose window in the center. The bell tower has two floors. The Baroque interior is a single nave and boasts a historic statue dedicated to St. Paschal Baylon. Additionally, there is a valuable organ by Luca Neri di Leonessa dated back to the seventeenth century, with additions made by a bass sommelier of Adriano Fedri.
In conclusion, Monticchio is a small and peaceful hamlet of the city of L'Aquila, rich in history, culture, and tradition. Despite the damage suffered during the earthquake of 2009, the village continues to be an important craft and industrial area of the eastern outskirts of L'Aquila. The San Nicola di Bari Monastery represents an important reference point for the community, not only from a religious point of view but also artistic and cultural.
