San Potito
Exploring San Potito: a friendly guide to the hamlet of Ovindoli, Abruzzo
San Potito is a hamlet in the municipality of Ovindoli, located in Abruzzo, at an altitude of 1094 meters above sea level. The Magnola Mountains rise above the village, while the Pizzo di Ovindoli, reaching a height of 1181 meters, dominates the top of the hill on which San Potito stands.
Physical Geography
San Potito is located within the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park and is about 1.8 kilometers from the center of the municipality of Ovindoli. In the underlying territory, there are sites of archaeological interest, such as the remains of the Roman villa of Impero romano, located in the localities of Piano dei Santi, Colle Bernardo, and Pago.
History
The area on which San Potito stands was already known in ancient times for the presence of the imperial villa of Lucio Vero, dating back to the 1st century AD. Over the centuries, around the villa, the hamlets and shelters of the local inhabitants were built.
In 1073, Henry, son of Bonomo, donated to the Farfa Abbey some assets of the family territorial patrimony, including a portion of the Fucino shore with the fishing rights and the collection of taxes for non-resident fishermen, in addition to the sixth part of the church of San Vittorino. In 1074 and 1079, Bonomo and Nerino, lords of the hamlet, donated to the Farfense abbey other assets located downstream and upstream, such as the disappeared churches of San Potito and Sant'Andrea.
The contemporary village, located at the slopes of Mount Pizzo di Ovindoli, was built around the castle that was erected in the 11th and 12th centuries. The fortress, surrounded by walls, played a role in controlling the territory, becoming a strategic point for the subsequent visual alignment with the military structures of the area.
Monuments and Places of Interest
San Potito has various monuments and places of interest that enclose its history and culture.
Religious Architecture
The Church of the Madonna della Neve, dating back to the 13th century, was built just outside the walls of the castle-recinct of San Potito. Damaged by the Marsica earthquake of 1915, it was later restored and equipped with a sail bell tower.
The Church of Jesus, also dedicated to St. Potito, was instead built in the late sixties.
Military Architecture
The Castle of San Potito, built in the 11th century on the Antonino Hill at the slopes of Mount Pizzo di Ovindoli, is a strategic location for controlling the crossing routes between Marsica-Fucino and the Rocche plateau. The castle was visually connected to the Piccolomini Castle of Celano and the Tower of Santa Jona, with which it formed the defensive system of the area.
Conclusions
San Potito is a charming hamlet that can offer hospitality, welcoming, and tranquility to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in a history rich in charm and culture. Come and visit San Potito and you will find yourself immersed in an authentic and relaxing environment, surrounded by the nature and beauty of the Abruzzo territory.
