Civita
Civita di Oricola: A town with ancient history and unique charm
Civita di Oricola is a small village with a big soul and a rich history. Located in Abruzzo, along the Strada Statale 5, Civita has about 165 inhabitants and is one of the few cities in the area that still retains traces of Roman presence on Italian soil. In this article, we will explore the physical geography of the town, its history, its places of interest, and the natural aspects that characterize it.
Physical geography
Located between Oricola and Carsoli, Civita di Oricola is accessible via the Strada statale 5 Via Tiburtina Valeria and is situated about 4 kilometers from the municipal capital. Not far away is the eponymous motorway exit of the Autostrada A24 where the industrial core of the Cavaliere plain develops.
History
The territory on which Civita stands has a long history. Here stood the ancient city of Carsioli, founded in 304 BC, which together with Alba Fucens represented one of the most important Roman colonies in the area. In the territory, there are traces of the Roman aqueduct, still visible today in the locality of Muro Pertuso and in the Bosco di Sesera.
Abandoned in the early Middle Ages during the Saracen invasions, Civita di Oricola was repopulated in the 10th century and subsequently mentioned in documents of the time under the name "Sala Civitas". In the 19th century, the village was known as "Civita Carenza" or "Civita Carentia".
Monuments and places of interest
Civita di Oricola is rich in monuments and places of interest. Among these, religious architecture stands out, such as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a modern building alongside the oratory dedicated to Filippo Neri.
Among the civil architectures, it is possible to admire the Fornace Nitoglia, a large brick factory built in 1927 whose decommissioned complex now represents a model of industrial architecture in Abruzzo.
But Civita is also known to be one of the few places in the area where it is still possible to see traces of the Roman colony of Carsoli. The ruins of the Roman city are visible in different parts of the Civita territory, such as in Muro Pertuso, in the Bosco di Sesera, in the source of Civita, in the San Pietro valley, and in the central urban area of the town.
Natural areas
Although Civita is one of the few places where it is possible to admire traces of Roman presence in Italian territory, the village is also characterized by the presence of natural areas of great interest. The Bosco di Sesera, for example, is one of the community interest sites in the area, located between 570 and 640 meters above sea level. With an area of about 400 hectares, the wood marks the border of the municipalities of Riofreddo, Vallinfreda, and Vivaro Romano, and represents a corner of uncontaminated nature where you can walk, hike, and admire breathtaking views.
In conclusion, Civita di Oricola is a village to discover, rich in history, monuments, and natural areas to admire. If you want to spend time surrounded by nature and history, Civita di Oricola is the perfect place for you.
