San Benedetto in Perillis
San Benedetto in Perillis: a small medieval village in Abruzzo
San Benedetto in Perillis is an ancient medieval village located in Abruzzo, in the province of L'Aquila. With a population of only 96 inhabitants, San Benedetto is one of the least populated municipalities in Italy. The village is also part of the "Comunità montana Campo Imperatore-Piana di Navelli" and is located at about 850 m above sea level, with a beautiful view of the Peligna valley.
Medieval origins (7th century approx.)
The origins of San Benedetto in Perillis date back to the medieval period, when the village had less than 70 inhabitants. In the past, there was a small Roman vicus in the area, and archaeological findings are preserved in the Civic Museum of Popular Tradition. The oldest settlement is characterized by stone buildings and watchtowers that are interrupted by an elliptical wall, typical of the late Lombard era.
Around the settlement was the fortified Benedictine monastery of "Perello", which still preserves the semi-circular and pentagonal towers that emerged from the walls.
Middle Ages and modern era
San Benedetto was owned by the lord Pietro dei Marsi in the 9th century, nephew of Berardo Francisco, who established the County of Celano in Marsica. The abbey possessions belonged to San Vincenzo al Volturno, together with the nearby abbey of Santa Maria di Bominaco, before passing, as Antinori recalls in his Annals (book VI), to the diocese of Valva Sulmona.
In 1254, San Benedetto, along with nearby castles, helped found L'Aquila. The castle owners settled in the Santa Maria district. Then, there were a series of looting and damage: in 1423, it was besieged by Braccio da Montone to prevent rebellions in favor of the Angevin side of the conflicts for the crown of Naples. In 1703, the earthquake of L'Aquila damaged the church and the village, which began to move further downstream. In 1915, the Marsica earthquake damaged the mother church and the village, which partly collapsed and was abandoned.
Since 1806, San Benedetto became a hamlet of Collepietro, with the decree of the reorganization in French districts of the Aquilan province, regaining municipal autonomy only in 1947. The village remained linked to pastoral economy until the 20th century, when migration began. In the early 2000s, the idea of linking the municipality of San Benedetto to the nearby Popoli arose due to depopulation.
2009 earthquake
In 2009, San Benedetto was hit by the L'Aquila earthquake, which caused the collapse of some abandoned houses and the monastery was shored up and waiting for restoration.
In summary, San Benedetto in Perillis is a small medieval village that has gone through many events, including earthquakes and depopulation. However, the village remains a fascinating and enchanting place, immersed in unspoiled nature and surrounded by history and art.
