Pereto
Pereto: the Marsican town with an ancient history
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Pereto, a town in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo. Pereto is a small town with only 635 inhabitants, situated on the border of Marsica and Lazio. Its position is unique, as it is located at an altitude of 800 meters at the foot of Mount Fontecellese, along the Carseolani mountain range. But what sets it apart is its past. In fact, the first human settlements date back to prehistoric times and many archaeological artifacts have been found that bear witness to continuous life throughout history.
The castle of Pereto
The castle of Pereto is one of the town's symbols, located in the upper part of the village overlooking the plain of Cavaliere below. Its importance dates back to medieval times when the village was called Pireti. With its stone walls and imposing towers, the castle was the home of local feudal lords and the center of social life in the village.
A millennial history
The history of Pereto is long and fascinating. In 955, the abbot of Montecassino granted the church of San Silvestro to Rainaldo Berardi. In 1096, the castle of Pereto appeared among the assets donated to the abbey of Montecassino by the County of Carsoli. Over the centuries, the village passed through the hands of various lords who ruled the area until the 19th century.
Illustrious personalities
The village of Pereto gave birth to many important personalities in the religious and political world. Among the religious figures, the most famous was Antonio da Pereto, general minister of the Order of Friars Minor from 1405 to 1420. But not only that, the Maccafani family, originally from Pereto, also gave rise to prominent members of the Catholic Church. The family saw the birth of many bishops, including Giorgio, bishop of Orte and Civita Castellana, from 1498 to 1501, and Sevaro, bishop of Todi from 1491 to 1497.
Unification with neighboring municipalities
In 1811, with the laws abolishing feudalism, the neighboring municipalities of Oricola and Rocca di Botte were added to the central municipality of Pereto. This situation lasted until 1907, when the three centers became autonomous and independent municipalities.
In conclusion, Pereto is a Marsican town with a millennial history and a unique geographical position. Its past is testified by the imposing castle that dominates the village and the numerous illustrious personalities who were born there. If you have the opportunity to visit Abruzzo, I recommend stopping in Pereto to discover its fascinating history.
