Picciano
Picciano: a town with a long history
Picciano is an Italian municipality located in the province of Pescara, in Abruzzo. The town has a very ancient history, with the first documented evidence dating back to 1049 when Bernardo, Count of Penne, donated lands and buildings for the establishment of a Benedictine abbey on its territory. This was the first attestation of the existence of a settlement called Picciano.
The name of the town has several legends, but the most credible one traces it back to the presence of a group of shepherds dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Pithia. The name dates back to the Roman era or the early Middle Ages. In the eleventh century, Picciano was at the center of clashes between the various lords of the area and the Abbey of Santa Maria.
The story of Abbot Teodemario and the Church of San Silvestro
Between 1051 and 1063, Bernardo donated more than twenty churches to the Monastery of Picciano, which he created and led at that time with Abbot Teodemario. Mills on the Fino River, churches, bells, fiefs with men, women, and children were donated. The donation passed through the creation of the Church of San Silvestro, endowed with all the aforementioned assets and donated to Picciano.
Curiously, the abbot of San Silvestro was required to donate 24 pizzas and a pig to the abbot of Picciano on the day of the Assumption. To this day, the Assumption festival is celebrated in Piccianello, a significant fraction of the town. However, the Church of the Assumption is located in Picciano.
Exchanges with other churches
In 1084, there was an exchange of churches between Picciano and the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, which was not the last exchange. Other subsequent exchanges were attended by as guarantors Count Ruggieri, Roberto di Manoppello, the Teatino Bishop Berardo, Eriberto, Bishop of Penne, and the Prior of Maiella.
However, these exchanges would be unfavorable for Picciano, generated mainly by spiritual reasons and would be canceled a few years later. The "charta convenientiae" attests to the protests of Alberico, confirming, at the same time, the status of a comfortable church for S. Maria of Picciano, which various lords use in the context of their private quarrels.
The election of Alberico as Abbot of S. Clemente in Casauria
In 1110, despite the protests, Alberico was elected Abbot of S. Clemente in Casauria. Here, he could finally have a more incisive influence on the various lords of the area. Picciano has had a very turbulent past but has always managed to maintain its traditions and culture.
Today, Picciano is a peaceful town with a strong cultural identity. It has a population of 1262 inhabitants and is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, Abruzzo. The town is rich in history and interesting places to visit, such as the Abbey of Santa Maria, which is inextricably linked to it.
Conclusions
The history of Picciano is fascinating and takes us back in time. The town has managed to keep its culture and traditions alive, which can still be appreciated today. If you want to visit a small Italian town with a great history, then Picciano is definitely the right place for you.
