Pratola Peligna
Discovering Pratola Peligna: an Abruzzese treasure to visit
Good morning friends! Today I want to talk to you about Pratola Peligna, a small but fascinating town in the Peligna Valley of Abruzzo. With its 7,125 inhabitants, it has a long and interesting history, and many places of interest to discover. Get ready for a journey to discover this Abruzzese treasure!
Physical geography
Pratola Peligna is located in the Peligna Valley, a territory that offers a mix of mountains and plain. The municipality extends for about a quarter on alluvial plain, while the rest of the territory is mountainous, reaching up to the top of the Montagne del Morrone ridge. The Sagittario river crosses the area, along with some streams, fed by the numerous springs that are located along the course of the river. The inhabited center of Pratola Peligna is located on the left bank of the river.
History
The history of Pratola Peligna can be traced back to the Roman era when a village called "pagus" Peligni is believed to have emerged. The village would have participated in the Social War against Rome in 91 BC with Corfinium, but there is no certain evidence in this regard. The first mention of the name Pratola can be found in an agricultural contract from 997. The inhabited center was fortified in the twelfth century: the castrum Pratulae was granted by the Norman William II of Sicily to the bishop Odorisius of the Archdiocese of Aquila in 1170. From 1294 until 1807, the fief of Pratola Peligna belonged to the abbot of the monastery of Badia Morronese. In 1863, the municipality took the name of Pratola Peligna by Royal Decree.
The history of the municipality has been characterized by several popular agitations. In 1799, Pratola Peligna rebelled against the French invasion together with other Abruzzese municipalities. In 1848, it opposed the Constitution of the Bourbon government of Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies and in 1934 there was a revolt against the fascist regime. During World War II, the town suffered numerous bombings, but the population distinguished itself for its commitment to the liberation war, contributing to the formation of the first partisan groups.
Honors
In 2006, the municipality of Pratola Peligna was awarded the Bronze Medal for Civil Merit by the President of the Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. The motivation was: "Strategically important center, during World War II, it was subjected to continuous and violent bombings, which caused numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of the industrial heritage. The population, forced to take refuge in the surrounding countryside, contributed to the liberation war with the formation of the first partisan groups, suffering a fierce reprisal from the German army. 1943/1944 ".
Monuments and places of interest
The heart of the historic center of Pratola Peligna, called "inside the earth", offers suggestive and interesting corners. Access is through the arch of Angiò, with the emblem of the Congregation of Celestines engraved, where a serpent is wrapped around the cross. In this medieval village, you can admire the narrow streets, the old stone houses, the historic churches such as the Church of San Matteo and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The medieval layout of the historic center is still well visible, offering an immersive and suggestive experience for tourists who visit it.
There is also the Friggersi Palace, a historic building, which houses the Town Hall, the Civic Art Gallery, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Municipal Library, and the Historical Archive. The Celestines Palace, on the other hand, houses the library and the ancient monastery of the Congregation of Celestines, dating back to the thirteenth century.
The municipal territory is also dotted with festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as the cheese and porchetta festival. The cuisine of the municipality is simple but tasty, with dishes based on local ingredients such as vegetables, meat, cheese, and legumes.
Conclusions
Here is Pratola Peligna, an Abruzzese gem rich in history and enchanting places. We hope to have intrigued you enough to make you visit this municipality and discover all it has to offer. You won't regret it!
