Palmoli
Discover Palmoli, the fortified village in the province of Chieti
Palmoli, or "Pàlmere" in Abruzzese dialect, is a town in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo, with a population of approximately 801 inhabitants. Located in the union of the municipalities of Sinello, it is an ancient village that offers numerous tourist attractions. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, culture, and events of Palmoli.
Physical geography
Palmoli is located at 484 meters above sea level, on a mountain covered with wild olive trees, whose dark green leaves give the city its name. Recognized as a tourist destination, Palmoli boasts a strategic position that allows you to enjoy the view of the Majella, the mountains of the Laga, and the Adriatic Sea.
Origins of the name
Palmoli began to form around the year 1000, when inhabitants left the different "vicus" to settle on the mountain covered with wild olive trees. The village was called "Palmula Monteverde" and later, after its transformation, took the name Palmoli.
History
The first traces of the city date back to the time of the Frentani, the ancient Italic population present in Abruzzo. The area then passed under Roman rule. In 1000, the inhabitants settled on the mountain that still houses the fortified village and the castle, whose construction dates back to that time. In the twelfth century, the village is mentioned in documents as "Palmulam," a possession of Philippus Grandenatus, a vassal of the Count of Loreto. Over the centuries, two noble families, the Sangro and the Severino-Longo, took turns in the dominance of the fiefdom.
Monuments and places of interest
Palmoli has several attractions, including:
- The fortified village with the Marquis castle and the attached archaeological museum. The historic center has ocher roof tiles, copper gutters, and the use of wrought iron for grilles and lozenges. Stone portals and two urban gates complete the area.
- The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, an example of Abruzzese Romanesque art.
- The convent of Madonna del Carmine, in Baroque style.
- The spring of the slopes, a fountain built in 1851 and rebuilt in 1898, located in the homonymous locality west of the city at 644 m. s l. m.
Society
Demographic evolution
In the history of the village, there is an increase in population between 1861 and 1931, which later slowly decreased. Today, the village has 801 inhabitants.
Culture
Cuisine
Palmoli offers the tasting of typical local products, including the ventricina palmolese, a specific sausage made with pork, chili pepper, and various seasonings left to age for at least 100 days; lamb stew and sagne a pezzate: dough made with flour and eggs, worked by hand, roughly cut into diamonds, seasoned with fresh tomato or ventricina sauce, and asparagus.
Events
The calendar of events in Palmoli is rich in local traditions. Among the most famous are:
- Feast in honor of the patron saint San Valentino, on February 14th;
- Celebrations in honor of the Most Holy Madonna del Carmine: ** Procession with the statue of the Virgin carried by hand from the sanctuary to the parish church of the village, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where it remains until July 27th. ** Feast in honor of saints Gioacchino and Anna on July 26th; **The traditional parade of the "Pacchianelle," women, and men dressed in traditional attire who bring gifts to the Madonna, takes place on the morning of July 27th; these gifts are then auctioned off in the afternoon in Piazza Marconi.
- Sagra della Ventricina on August 10th at the Marquis Castle and Sagra dello Spezzatino d'agnello on August 13th at the locality Contrada Fonte la casa.
Administration
Notes
Other projects
If you have the opportunity to visit Abruzzo, do not miss the chance to stop in Palmoli and discover all that the village has to offer!
