Albe
Discovering Massa d'Albe and its history
Hello friends, today I want to talk to you about Massa d'Albe, a small municipality in the province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, with only 1337 inhabitants. But don't be misled by its small size, because this municipality has a very interesting history and places of interest to visit.
Physical geography
The heart of the Municipality of Massa d'Albe is located on the Palentini plains, on the northeast side, at the foot of Mount Cafornia. It is a mountainous area and the summit of Cafornia, which rises to 2424 meters above sea level, is one of the highest in the Abruzzo Apennines. Massa d'Albe is part of the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park and the Monte Velino Natural Reserve. The territory of the municipality also includes two hamlets, Albe and Forme.
History
The archaeological site of Alba Fucens is one of the most important places in the history of Massa d'Albe. This ancient city was abandoned by its inhabitants in the 14th century and the original nuclei of the Marsican center were built on the territory. Over the centuries, the territory fell under the control of several noble families, including the Angiò-Durazzo, Colonna and Orsini. In 1806, the feudal system was abolished and Massa d'Albe became an independent municipality. During the Second World War, the municipality was occupied by the Germans, who used the Orsini Castle as a military station. Despite the Allied air bombings, the village maintained its partisan resistance.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the most important monuments in the municipality is the Church of San Pietro, located in the center of Massa d'Albe. This Romanesque style building is one of the most important monuments of Abruzzese architecture, thanks to the decorative furnishings and ecclesiastical paraphernalia. The archaeological site of Alba Fucens is an integral part of the history of Massa d'Albe and is located a few kilometers from the village. It is a very large area, where the remains of the ancient city are still present.
Conclusions
In summary, Massa d'Albe is a municipality that offers many opportunities for discovery for lovers of history and nature. The territory of this municipality, located in a mountainous area, is rich in paths and walks that lead to discovering the most beautiful corners of the Abruzzo Apennines. The Church of San Pietro, with its Romanesque style, represents an indispensable cultural attraction, while the archaeological site of Alba Fucens allows us to take a leap into the past and better understand the history of this territory. If you are on vacation in Abruzzo, don't miss the opportunity to visit Massa d'Albe!
