Palena
Welcome to Palena!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Palena, a municipality located in the beautiful Abruzzo region, in the province of Chieti. With its 1242 inhabitants, Palena is the seat of the union of the mountain municipalities of Eastern Maiella-Verde Aventino and is part of the Aventino-Medio Sangro mountain community.
Explore the Territory
The territory of Palena is to be discovered: thanks to the fossils found in the locality of Capo di Fiume and on display in the Alto Aventino geopaleontological museum, we can get an idea of the environment of Maiella 7 million years ago. Furthermore, it is interesting to know that some districts of Palena date back to the Italic period and Roman history, as evidenced by some tombs and buildings of the time.
The Origin of the Name
Have you ever thought about the meaning of the name Palena? It seems to derive from "pala," which means "meadow on a steep slope." A very particular name that perfectly suits the municipality's territory.
The History of Palena
The history of Palena is very ancient, dating back to the Paleolithic era. Over the centuries, the area of Palena was inhabited by several populations, including the Lombards in the ninth century, who founded a chapel near the mountain cave of Sant'Angelo. In the twelfth century, monasticism was born in Palena and many churches were founded, including those of San Vito in Forca and San Falco, also revered as the patron saint of the possessed and the lazy. It is interesting to know that in 1065, the counts of Sangro Borrello di Borrello and his son Borrello Infante donated the church of San Cristinziano to the Teatine Bishop Attone, lord of Chieti.
The Ducal Castle
In the eleventh century, the Norman Ducal Castle of Palena was founded on the highest point of the spur above the river. To this day, the castle is one of the main attractions of the municipality, with its watchtower and perfectly preserved battlements.
The Climate of Palena
But let's move on to a slightly more practical topic: the climate of Palena. Thanks to its geographical position, the municipality enjoys a mild and temperate climate, with hot but not suffocating summers and mild but not too cold winters.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Palena has a lot to offer: from its millennia-old history to breathtaking natural corners, from the charm of the Ducal Castle to the beauty of medieval churches. If you are looking for a quiet place to spend relaxing vacations, Palena is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Come and discover this little treasure of Abruzzo!
