Morro d'Oro
Morro d'Oro: a small town on the rise
Morro d'Oro is a charming town located in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, that has around 3,570 inhabitants. The municipality status is constituted by the union of the Colline del Medio Vomano municipalities and it spans an area of 28.18 km². This town is situated between two beautiful valleys: the Valle del Tordino and the Valle del Vomano. Thanks to its strategic location, Morro d'Oro is only 12 km from the sea and 40 km from the mountains, making it a very attractive destination for tourists. The economy of Morro d'Oro has long been based on agriculture, particularly sharecropping. However, in recent decades the economy has become much more integrated as agriculture has modernized and selected crops like vegetables and fruits were introduced, in addition to traditional crops such as cereals. Furthermore, there are also artisanal, commercial, and industrial activities that employ around 300 workers.
Origins of the name
The name Morro d'Oro has ancient origins that are not yet fully clear. Nevertheless, the toponym has undergone several changes over the centuries. In 1863, the definitive name was chosen with royal decree number 1616 of December 13, 1863, and based on the council resolution of October 18, the added word "d'oro" was written with an apostrophe.
History
The origins of Morro d'Oro date back to the medieval period, probably related to the time of castles between the 8th and 10th centuries. However, the first documented news of its existence dates back to 1021, in a document that talks about a donation made by Adelberto De Apruizio in favor of the Abbey of Montecassino. In the document, the tenancy of Muro and Castello Veccio are mentioned. Subsequently, in the 12th century, the territory of Morro d'Oro was feudalized to Trasmondo di Castelvecchio. After 1200, Morro also entered the Acquaviva's sphere of influence and remained under their jurisdiction until the early 18th century. Until 1807, Morro's administration was added to Notaresco. In 1808, under the government of the King of Naples, Gioacchino Murat, Morro d'Oro returned to be an autonomous municipality within the current territorial configuration.
Symbols
The coat of arms and banner of Morro d'Oro were granted by the President of the Republic's decree in 1975. The coat of arms represents the figure of a castle, accompanied by the words "Morro d'Oro" and the date 1863, when the name of the municipality was officially adopted.
In summary, Morro d'Oro is a fascinating town that has its roots in the medieval period and is ideally located to attract tourists who want to enjoy both the sea and the mountains. Its economy is diversifying and becoming increasingly integrated. The choice of the definitive name was a bit complicated, but in the end, it was decided to add "d'oro" to the epithet "Morro". Additionally, the approval of a municipal coat of arms and banner has helped to create a sense of identity and belonging among the citizens of Morro d'Oro.
