Montebello di Bertona
Welcome to Montebello di Bertona!
Hello! Welcome to Montebello di Bertona, a beautiful municipality in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo. Let's get to know it better together!
Physical Geography
Montebello di Bertona is located on the hillside of the northeast slopes of Gran Sasso d'Italia at 596 meters above sea level and is part of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. It is connected to Pescara by a provincial road and was part of the Vestina mountain community.
Origin of the Name
The name of the village comes from the Late Latin adjective "bellus" (graceful, beautiful) and the noun "mons" (mountain), which means "beautiful mountain". Additionally, the village was also known as "Belmonte" in later times. Moreover, the name "Bertona" is considered a medieval given name imported to Italy from the Franks. The village began to be called Montebello di Bertona only in 1863 following the Royal Decree.
History
Prehistory
Montebello di Bertona has a long history dating back to the Upper Paleolithic, when the first human settlements appeared in the area. The physician and scholar Giovanni Battista Leopardi discovered a settlement of huts at ground level, located on a vast plateau to the right of the Gàllero stream called "Campo delle piane", dating back to about 18,000 years ago and is part of the Bertonian culture.
What to see in Montebello di Bertona
Montebello di Bertona has several attractions to offer its visitors. The historic center, with the Church of San Rocco and the Church of San Pietro, are not to be missed. Additionally, the Civic Museum "Roberto Bilotti" is a true treasure. The museum documents the history of the area, from prehistoric times to modern times. There are also artifacts from the Roman and Medieval periods, along with a contemporary art exhibition.
Events in Montebello di Bertona
Montebello di Bertona celebrates several festivities during the year, mainly religious. The patron saint of the village is San Rocco, celebrated on August 16th. Additionally, there is the famous fair of April 25th, in which the celebration of the thanksgiving for the end of winter takes place. The fair takes place in Piazza del Popolo and is characterized by the sale of artisanal products, food and plants.
What to eat in Montebello di Bertona
Montebello di Bertona is famous for its traditional Abruzzese cuisine. In particular, the local pecorino cheese is a must-try. Additionally, there are various restaurants where you can taste local dishes such as tagliolini with porcini mushrooms, arrosticini, and other meat-based dishes.
Conclusions
Montebello di Bertona is a beautiful tourist destination where history and nature coexist. A place where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility that only ancient villages can offer. Come and discover it!
