Intermesoli
Intermesoli: a small village among the Abruzzo mountains
Intermesoli is a small village with only 91 inhabitants located in the municipality of Pietracamela in the province of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region. The village is situated in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, under the third peak of the Gran Sasso massif, Pizzo Intermesoli. In this article, we will explore the history, geography and monuments of this charming Abruzzese village.
Physical geography
Intermesoli is equidistant from its municipal capital, Pietracamela, and Fano Adriano, respectively about 5 kilometers and 3.5 kilometers away by road. A small river called Rio Arno flows within the village. The terrain is predominantly mountainous and rich in hiking trails and natural paths, ideal for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.
Origin of the name
According to some sources, the name Intermesoli derives from "Intermezula," which is part of the name of a church dedicated to Santa Maria that was once located near the village. The toponym (Latinized in some fifteenth-century documents as "Intermesulum") is said to have passed through "Intermesulo," "Intermesule," and "Intermesuli," to become Intermesoli.
History
The first documentation of the existence of Intermesoli dates back to the fourteenth century when the village had two different parishes: that of San Lorenzo Martire and that of Santa Maria Assunta. Later, the two centers probably merged. In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Intermesoli experienced a significant demographic increase, with 122 taxable households in 1525. The local economy thrived thanks to the cultivation of high-altitude land, pastoralism, and woodworking. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, new houses and a new parish church dedicated to San Rocco were built to thank him for his intercession during the plague epidemic that had struck the area.
However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the village began to depopulate due to migrations to the United States, Canada, and Rome.
Monuments and places of interest
The main attraction of Intermesoli is the Church of San Rocco, located in the main square of the village. The building probably dates back to the sixteenth century and was erected in honor of San Rocco, protector of plague victims, during the epidemic of 1528-1529. The small church is a splendid example of Renaissance religious architecture in Abruzzo.
The surrounding area of the village, inside the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, offers a wide choice of hiking trails and natural paths suitable for every level of training. Among the most famous excursions are those to Pizzo Intermesoli, the peak facing the village, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the valley, and to nearby Lake Campotosto, one of the largest lakes in Abruzzo.
In conclusion, Intermesoli is a small village immersed in nature, with a discreet but unmistakable charm, perfect for those who want to breathe fresh air and enjoy breathtaking views.
