Ortucchio
Ortucchio: A town with multiple beauties
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Ortucchio, an Italian town located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. This small town, with only 1,775 inhabitants, is located on the southeast slope of the Fucino plain, where a small island used to exist before the lake was drained, which gave it its name.
But Ortucchio is not just that! The territory is diverse and characterized by completely different landscapes, such as the dense mountain forests, the fertile fields of the Fucino plain, the archaeological and artisanal/industrial zones. In addition, the town borders other municipalities, including Collelongo, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce nei Marsi, Venere dei Marsi, and Trasacco, and is also located near the outer protection area of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park: in short, a location rich in natural beauty!
Origin of the name
But how did Ortucchio get its name? During the medieval era, the town was called Ortygia, and later Ortucchio. One theory suggests that the name derives from the Latin word "Hortus", which means "small garden" or "orchard". However, another hypothesis states that the place name is related to the ancient island that was located in the center of Lake Fucino, compared to the island of Ortigia in the sea of Syracuse, and that the name may derive from "Ortus acquarum", meaning "origin from the waters".
The history of Ortucchio
Ortucchio has a millenary history. The area was inhabited since prehistoric times by the Montebello di Bertona tribes who found shelter in the caves halfway up the slopes of the mountains. Of particular archaeological and archaeozoological interest are the cavities located in the municipal territory, such as the Grotte di Ortucchio Maritza, Ortucchio, La Cava, and La Punta. Subsequently, the Marsi, an Italic people of warriors and priests, settled in the area permanently.
However, the area was also the scene of hostilities between the Italic peoples, who joined together in a confederation led by the leader Quinto Poppedio Silone, and the Romans because of the denied grant of Roman citizenship. In the medieval era, the center located near the hill that acquired the name of Ortuclae or Ortuclum was called Ortygia, and was subjected to Ruggero County of Celano. It later passed under the lordship of Antonio Piccolomini d'Aragona, with whom the social condition of the town improved.
However, the advent of bandits, linked to the Neapolitan riots of Masaniello, and Spanish domination in Italy brought devastations and serious damage to the precarious economic conditions of the time.
The beauties of Ortucchio
Ortucchio offers multiple attractions for all tastes. For nature lovers, the protected area of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park offers numerous trails for walks immersed in nature, including the suggestive forest path. In addition, Lake Fucino offers a myriad of outdoor activities, from birdwatching to sport fishing.
For those who want to discover the history and culture of the town, there are numerous attractions to visit, such as the Clock Tower, the Church of the Rosary, the Mother Church of Santa Maria della Neve, and the Grotta di Ortucchio Maritza, which offers suggestive medieval frescoes.
Finally, Ortucchio is also famous for its cuisine. The local cuisine is simple but tasty, with dishes based on local products such as ventricina, sheep cheeses, mountain potatoes, and porcini mushrooms. Typical desserts are not lacking, such as torcolo, an Easter cake made with almonds, sugar, and eggs.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Ortucchio is a town full of surprises. From its breathtaking landscapes to its historic monuments, from its culinary traditions to the surrounding nature, Ortucchio offers a unique experience to anyone who wants to discover the beauty of Abruzzo.
