Lentella
Discovering the History of Lentella
Hello friends! Today I'll tell you about Lentella, a small village in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, that is part of the Medio Vastese Mountain Community.
From Its Birth to the Risorgimento
The history of Lentella is very ancient. In fact, chance archaeological findings have revealed a Roman villa located very close to the current position of the village. This area was inhabited until the early Middle Ages. In the highest part of the village, the Lombards built a watchtower that later was expanded and turned into a village during the Norman period. It was precisely during this period that the inhabitants of the surrounding farms settled in the current position of the village, which was inaccessible from three sides and more easily defendable, and built Castel di Lentella.
Today, there are still numerous archaeological sites in the area, such as the site where the medieval church of San Giovanni stood. Moreover, several Roman coins have been found in the lands near the village, such as Asse di Giano and other coins of Gordiano III, shells, numerous fragments of amphorae, a single-handle little pot, weapons, shards, tile-lined tombs, common graves, Opus Fragments, mosaic pieces, and more.
The Origin of the Name Lentella
As to the origin of the name Lentella, several are the hypotheses. Some researchers think it could derive from a hydronym, while others theorize that it may be a name related to the Roman gens. Finally, for others, it could be a name related to the Indo-European root "*inter" "between," almost "*inter-(u)la," in the sense of a location placed in an intermediate position with respect to coordinates that we do not have today, unfortunately.
Furthermore, among the population, there is a widespread legend that the ancient settlement of Lentella once stood down, near the confluence of the Trigno/Treste river, and that, following an invasion of ants, the inhabitants moved upwards. This popular belief is linked to the events of Castello Manno.
Places to Visit in Lentella
Lentella is a small village where nature is still the protagonist. Let's discover the places to visit together:
Castello Manno
Castello Manno was a center that disappeared in the 14th century, but its remains can still be discovered today. Here, the remains of a quadrangular tower of about 20 x 19 m, and other pieces of buildings belonging to the ancient village, can be found.
San Giovanni Church
The San Giovanni Church rose where the remains of the Roman villa can be seen today. It has a strong history and can be visited to discover the beauty of these places.
Benedictine Medieval Settlement
In the Casale Monaci district, the remains of a Benedictine medieval settlement can be found, probably built on a pagan temple.
Roman Terracotta Aqueduct
Also in Casale Monaci, the traces of the Roman terracotta aqueduct can be seen. A very suggestive place where you can take interesting guided tours.
Fonte Puteo District
In this district, a fragment of a Latin inscription can be found. A place where history meets nature.
Coccetta or Faretta
In this location, evidence of settlements ranging from the Middle Bronze Age to the Middle Ages can be found. A very interesting place for those who love archaeology.
Conclusions
Lentella is a small village where history and nature blend together. Here, it is possible to discover charming and suggestive places where the beauty of nature meets the ancient history of this wonderful land. If you want to discover the hidden treasures of Lentella, this is the right place for you!
