Loreto Aprutino
Loreto Aprutino is a captivating Italian town with many beauties to discover and an important history that dates back to the 9th century. The town was erected as a fortified citadel under the Normans and over the years, it has undergone numerous ownership changes, passing from the D'Aquinos to the Caracciolos, and then to the Chilas.
History
The history of Loreto Aprutino is rich in events and important characters. The Castrum Laureti is one of the first buildings in the city and dates back to the Lombard era. However, it was thanks to the entry of the Normans that the citadel was transformed into a fortress known throughout Italy.
The city has been the seat of a county since the 12th century and over the years has changed hands several times, passing from the D'Aquinos to the Caracciolos, and then to the Chilas. During the First World War, several young soldiers left the municipality for the front, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
The city is famous for the magnificent Abbey of San Pietro Apostolo, the parish church located in a dominant position in the center of the city. Its first records date back to the second half of the 11th century with its current Renaissance-style appearance, the result of the reconstruction of 1551 at the behest of Abbot Giovanni Battista Umbriani.
The entrance to the church is marked by a sixteenth-century brick porch, divided into three bays with cross vaults that offer a beautiful view of the entire city. Inside the abbey, the wooden choir of 1555, the main marble altar, and a precious organ stand out.
The Castle of Loreto
The Castle of Loreto is an imposing building dating back to the Norman period. Originally a defensive fortification, it has been renovated over the centuries to accommodate important families and men of power. Today it is the headquarters of the Pietro Cascella Museum of Sacred Art, where you can admire an exhibition of wooden sculptures and valuable frescoes.
The Antinori Palace
Another gem of the city is the Antinori Palace. Built in the 17th century as a noble residence, it is famous for its wonderful Italian gardens and the splendid panoramic view of the surrounding valley. The palace has been the site of important events and celebrations over the years, and today it is a popular tourist destination in the city.
The Church of Santa Maria in Piano
The Church of Santa Maria in Piano is another valuable religious building in the historic center of Loreto Aprutino. Built in the 12th century, it was then renovated with the addition of Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Inside the church, important paintings, frescoes, and sacred works are preserved.
Events and Traditions
Loreto Aprutino is known for the Fair of Santa Maria della Civitella, a religious celebration that takes place every year in August. The fair, which lasts several days, is held at the church of Santa Maria della Civitella, located on the top of the hill surrounding the city.
During the festival, the city comes alive with local parades, concerts, fireworks shows, and food stands that offer local specialties such as arrosticino, lampascione, and passatella.
What to Eat
Abruzzese cuisine is one of the tastiest in Italy, and Loreto Aprutino is no exception. The typical dishes of the city include chickpea soup, maccheroni alla chitarra with meat sauce, grilled lamb, and the famous arrosticino, a skewer of marinated and grilled sheep meat.
As for desserts, the city offers a wide selection of homemade products including frittella, almond nougat, and blood pudding.
Conclusions
Loreto Aprutino is a hidden treasure of Abruzzo, a historical and cultural gem to be visited at least once in a lifetime. The city offers a wide selection of historical monuments, ancient churches, noble palaces, gardens, and a tasty and flavorful local cuisine.
For those who love traditions and religious festivals, the Fair of Santa Maria della Civitella is an unmissable event, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. Come and discover the beauty of Loreto Aprutino, we are waiting for you!
