Salle

Welcome to Salle, a hidden gem in Abruzzo

Salle, a small municipality located in the province of Pescara in Abruzzo, is a hidden treasure that deserves to be discovered. Characterized by its territory crossed by the Orta river and located at the foot of the Morrone mountains, Salle has a cool climate in winter and warm in summer. In the following article, we will guide you through the geography, history, and monuments that make Salle a special place.

Salle, discover the hidden gem in Abruzzo.

The Physical Geography of Salle

Territory

The modern town of Salle is located 470 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Morrone mountains. You can descend towards the old town, known as Salle Vecchia, which is located at an altitude of about 550 meters.

Climate

Despite being only 470 meters above sea level, Salle has a rather cold and snowy winter climate, being surrounded by the Maiella and Morrone mountains. In summer, however, the temperature is pleasant, although in case of extreme heat it can reach 35 degrees.

The History of Salle

The town of Salle has a history that dates back to the medieval period. The oldest documents testify that Salle was owned by the Abbey of San Clemente in Casauria. Salle developed as a Castrum in the Middle Ages, near a Castle of Salle built before the year one thousand.

The earthquake of 1915 damaged 50% of the buildings in Salle, while a landslide in May of the same year destroyed part of the town. After the Maiella earthquake of 1933, the Government ordered the relocation of entire villages damaged by the earthquake in physically more suitable areas. The town of Salle was also relocated, and the reconstruction area was chosen by the Civil Engineering of Pescara in the then Colle district.

The Monuments and Places of Interest in Salle

Civil Architecture

The Salle Bridge is a single-span bridge built in the early fifties 104 meters above the Orta river on provincial road 68 between Salle and the fraction of San Tommaso di Caramanico Terme. It is used for bungee jumping.

Religious Architecture

The Church of San Salvatore is the parish church of the new town of Salle. Built around the 1920s with artistic inspiration to the Neo-Romanesque style, the facade is simple with a gabled roof and porch with arches in front of the portal. The single-nave interior has polychrome marbles and a side chapel dedicated to Blessed Roberto of Salle. The mosaics depict the Holy Spirit and the Savior, placed on the semicircular apse altar.

Military Architecture

The Castle of Salle, dating back to the 10th century, is located in the highest part of the town, in Salle Vecchia. It was owned by the counts D'Aquino and Carafa, and after the destruction of the village by the earthquake of 1915, it was bought by the counts of Genoa and partially rebuilt for anastylosis.

Conclusion

The small town of Salle is a hidden gem in the heart of Abruzzo. If you're looking for a quiet place with breathtaking views of the mountains, this place is for you. Visit the Salle Bridge for an exhilarating experience, admire the beauty of the Church of San Salvatore, and discover the history of the Castle of Salle in Salle Vecchia. Salle awaits you!

Andrea Giordano
Updated Tuesday, Sep 6, 2022