Montelapiano
Montelapiano: The Least Populated Municipality in Italy
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Montelapiano, an Italian municipality that is part of the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo. With only 77 inhabitants, it is the least populated municipality in the province and the region, and is among the last 100 Italian municipalities in terms of population. In short, it is an interesting place to know!
Physical Geography of Montelapiano
Montelapiano is located to the left of the middle Sangro Valley, at the foot of Monte Vecchio (1016 m above sea level), on a rocky ridge made up of marly limestone rock. The landscape is mainly characterized by woods and pastures, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor walks.
The History of Montelapiano
The history of Montelapiano dates back to the twelfth century and, according to the Catalogus baronum of that time, the village did not exist yet. Monte Santangelo, which can be traced back to Monte Vecchio and the unnamed peak near Buonanotte (now Montebello sul Sangro), was mentioned instead. It is known that the place was ruled by various fiefs, such as the Normans Rainaldo and Aniba, the French Raoul and Matilde di Courtenay, Filippo di Fiandra, Napoleon Orsini and Raimondo Caldora and his heirs. However, there is little information about the inhabited center. According to a local legend, the village was abandoned due to an invasion of giant ants. In reality, the abandonment of the village of Montevecchio may have been caused by the earthquake of 1456, which would have dried up the local springs of Montelapiano.
In the late fifteenth century, Montelapiano became part, in 1476, with other fiefs, of the dowry of Giovanna di Trastámara (1455-1517), who married the king of the Kingdom of Naples Ferdinando I. Later, the fief was given to Fabrizio I Colonna. After the Colonnas, control of the small "universitas" passed to the Carafas and later to the Caracciolo family.
Monuments and Places of Interest
One of the most important monuments of Montelapiano is the church of San Michele Arcangelo, whose foundation seems to date back to the sixteenth century. Around the mid-nineteenth century, works were carried out to enlarge the nave, which led to the closure of the ancient openings. The stucco decorations of the capitals are the result of the embellishment work of the interior in 1811. In 1849, the master Fiorindo Palumbo created a new stone portal. In 1902, the building was restored and an atrium, two small rooms at the back, a stone balustrade, the pulpit, and the baptismal font were added. In 1929, with the decoration of the interior by Roman artists, the works were completed.
Conclusion
Montelapiano is a fascinating place, immersed in the nature and history of Italy. Despite being one of the least populated municipalities in the country, it has a lot to offer to those who want to discover its monuments and culture. If you are looking for a quiet and suggestive place, Montelapiano could be the right place for you. Don't hesitate to visit it!
