Popoli
Popoli: a glimpse into the beauty and history of this Abruzzo commune
Popoli is a beautiful Italian commune located in the province of Pescara, in Abruzzo. With its 4,704 inhabitants, the commune offers a peaceful and serene living experience, surrounded by the majestic mountain range of the Majella, the Valle Peligna and the river Pescara.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Popoli extends between the lower course of the Aterno-Pescara to the northwest, the Valle Peligna to the south and the majestic mountain range of the Majella to the southeast. The famous Gole di Popoli (Canyons of Popoli) are located within the commune, acting as a bridge between the lower Aterno valley in the province of L'Aquila and the Val Pescara in the province of Pescara. An important crossing point for this area, the canyons are crossed by the national road 17 of the Abruzzo Apennines and the Apulo-Sannitic. Starting from the territory of Popoli, the Aterno-Sagittario river takes the name of Aterno-Pescara or simply Pescara.
Climate
The climate of Popoli is usually mild. During the summer, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, but thanks to its location among the mountains, the nights are cool and breezy. During the winter, temperatures drop by a couple of degrees compared to the national average, but the climate remains mild, with few precipitation.
History
Origins and Roman period
The first settlement dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic, as demonstrated by the archaeological finds found in the localities of Svolte di Popoli and San Callisto. The village of the Pelignian Italic people took shape around the 8th century BC, and shortly thereafter was colonized by Rome in the 1st century BC. The village, called "Pagus Fabianus", never became a Roman city in full. During the social war, the village participated in the Italic League (Roman history) with the capital "Corfinium", but was defeated. Until around 800 AD, the city was still called "Pagus Fabianus".
Middle Ages
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the village suffered repeated plundering by the Vandals and the Saracens, leaving Popoli without news until the 9th century. In the ninth century, the Abbey of San Clemente in Casauria was founded, which owned the fief where the castle with a pentagonal control tower was built, guarding the valley. The village is mentioned as "Castrum Pauperum", and this name was vulgarized over the centuries until the current "Popoli". The primitive fortification dates back to the descent of the Lombards. In 937, Popoli was again sacked by the Hungarians. The origins of the first castle of Popoli date back to the warrior Gerardo, who entered into a property contract with the abbot Ponzio of San Clemente. After Gerardo's death in 1016, his son Alberico invaded Tocco da Casauria to build the castle there. At the end of the eleventh century, the bishop of Valva and abbot of San Clemente in Casauria, Giovanni, entrusted the castle of "Poperi" to the Norman Guglielmo di Tassone. In 1057, Popoli became part of the county of Manoppello under the control of Ugo Malmozzetto and was assigned to the jurisdiction of Roberto di Loritello.
A lively community
Popoli is a vibrant and welcoming community. In addition to local shops and traditional restaurants, the commune offers many cultural and sporting activities. The famous Gole di Popoli, for example, are an example of Italy's unspoiled nature. It is an ideal place for hikers, canoeists and fishermen. It is also possible to visit the Archaeological Museum, where a wide range of artifacts illustrate the history of the area, from the Paleolithic to modern times.
Conclusions
Popoli is a commune that offers safety and a peaceful life, sheltered from the frenzy of larger cities. The natural beauty of the Gole di Popoli makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Its history, from its origins to modern times, is testified by the numerous exhibits displayed at the Archaeological Museum. All of this makes Popoli a hidden gem of Abruzzo, a town that is definitely worth visiting and discovering.
