Oricola
Oricola: A Charming Town in Abruzzo
If you're looking for a beautiful town to spend your vacation in Italy, Oricola can be the perfect choice. This location, situated strategically between the Abruzzo marsicano and the high valley of Aniene in Lazio, is an Italian commune with a population of approximately 1250 inhabitants. With this short guide, we'll try to give you an idea of what Oricola has to offer.
Physical Geography
Oricola is located at an altitude of about 810 meters, which makes it an excellent place to spend the summer, especially for those who love fresh air and nature. Here, you will find the Castle of Oricola, which dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most important monuments in the area. Not far away is also the sanctuary of Madonna dei Bisognosi, located on the Mount Serra Secca. Along the state road 5 Via Tiburtina Valeria, instead, is the industrial and artisanal nucleus.
Oricola borders the Lazio municipalities of Vallinfreda and Vivaro Romano, Carsoli, Rocca di Botte, Riofreddo, and Pereto. The geographical location of Oricola makes it one of the most interesting places to spend your vacation in Abruzzo.
Origin of the Name
There is no unanimous agreement on the etymology of the name Oricola. Some sources suggest that it may derive from the Latin term "Auricola," meaning "ear." According to other hypotheses, instead, it could derive from the term "Coriculum." In any case, the name evokes a charming location, framed by the majestic mountain range of the Apennines.
History
The first certain information about Oricola dates back to the 11th century when Berardino, a descendant of the counts of Marsi, managed to wrest the feud of Carsoli from his brothers Siginulfo, Rinaldo, and Pometta. One of these, Rinaldo, took refuge in Oricola and became the baron of the place. In 1096, the widow Aldegrina gave the castle of Oricola to the monks of the abbey of Montecassino, along with some other castles in the area. Over the centuries, the feud passed from the hands of the Orsini to the Colonna family and followed the historical events of the county of Tagliacozzo.
In 1806, the administrative autonomy of Oricola was taken away, and the commune was merged with Pereto. Only in 1907, Oricola managed to regain its administrative independence.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Oricola is a locality with a rich history, leaving numerous monuments and places of interest for culture and spirituality. Among the religious architectures, stands out the Church of Jesus, which preserves an organ from 1855 built by the Roman artist Tommaso Vayola. The Church of Restituta d'Africa, instead, preserves a fresco from the 13th century. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of the Sacred Heart are other important places of worship to visit.
As for places of historical interest, the Castle of Oricola is an unmissable destination to visit. It is a monument of great historical and architectural importance. Also, not to be missed is the Sanctuary of Madonna dei Bisognosi, located on the Mount Serra Secca, which offers a splendid panoramic view.
Discover the Beauty of Oricola
Oricola is a charming Italian town, situated in a strategic area between Abruzzo and Lazio, that will win you over with its natural beauties and its architectural treasures. Spend your summer vacation in Oricola and enjoy the fresh mountain air, discover the history and spirituality of this place by visiting its churches and its historical monuments, relax admiring the splendid mountain panorama that surrounds it. Your adventure in Oricola will give you unforgettable memories and the desire to come back again.
