Pennapiedimonte
Welcome to Pennapiedimonte!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about a small Abruzzese town with a slightly strange name but irresistible charm: Pennapiedimonte. With its 423 inhabitants, it is located in the province of Chieti and is nestled in the Majella National Park. We crossed the border between the two Abruzzo regions, Pescara and Chieti, to reach this suggestive village, where the past seems to be etched in every stone. Let's discover together the beauties and curiosities of this fascinating place.
Discovering the geography of Pennapiedimonte
The territory of Pennapiedimonte extends over 47.2 square kilometers, with a difference in altitude of 2,400 meters. Starting from the minimum altitude of 255 meters above sea level, the municipality reaches the peak of "Monte Focalone", located at an altitude of 2,676 meters. The town, which is located at 669 meters above sea level, is situated on a steep slope that descends directly to the Avello river valley. The houses, partly carved into the rock, are made of stone and, in many cases, can only be reached by stairs or narrow pedestrian streets.
The history of Pennapiedimonte
Pennapiedimonte boasts an ancient history. In the 3rd century BC the territory was conquered by the Romans, who built a watchtower, which can still be seen today, but is difficult to interpret. It was thought that the account of the Punic Wars by the Latin author Silio Italico referred to Pennapiedimonte with the word "Pinna", but this has been disproven. The ancient Pinna included the villages of "Famocchiano", on the road to Guardiagrele, and Ugno, on the road between Pennapiedimonte and Palombaro. In the Middle Ages, the village was considered "Castellum natura munitum", as it was situated in a naturally protected position. However, many of the surrounding hamlets disappeared due to landslides and other natural phenomena, while the historic center of Pennapiedimonte remained standing.
The charm of Pennapiedimonte
The beauty of Pennapiedimonte lies in its stone architecture and breathtaking natural landscape. The historic center of the town is a beautiful maze of alleys, stairways and stone arches, winding through ancient houses and churches. Among the attractions to visit, we recommend the Church of San Rocco, the Church of San Martino and the archaeological tombs in the Fontana district. The nature around Pennapiedimonte is also of great charm, with trails that wind through the Majella and the possibility of guided hikes in the Majella National Park.
Conclusions
Pennapiedimonte is truly an Abruzzese gem to discover and appreciate. But beyond the history and beauty of the town, Pennapiedimonte is also a place where culinary tradition is still alive, and where you can taste typical dishes of the territory, such as "Pizza chiena" and "Maccherone alla chitarra". In short, you won't regret a visit to Pennapiedimonte, and you will be enchanted by the beauty of this unique place in the world!
