San Buono
Welcome to San Buono, between history and legend!
San Buono is a municipality in the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo, which has about 1002 inhabitants. But what does the name of our town mean? Let's find out together!
Origins of the name
San Buono is located on a hill in the Abruzzo-Molise Apennines, on the left side of the Treste river valley. Originally, the village was dedicated to the apostle Peter, but in the 9th century, the monks of the monastery of Santissima Trinità a Due Vergini consecrated the hills in the area to the martyr saints, including the one where the ancient village was located. This hill was then named and consecrated to the martyr Buono, from which the name "San Buono" in modern Italian comes. But in local dialects it is still called Sant Bune!
History
San Buono has an ancient history: the territory was inhabited since the 9th-8th century BC by the Italics, as shown by excavations carried out in 1986 in the Fonte San Nicola area. The village, however, was founded by the Roman civilization in the 6th century, as a place of refuge from barbarian invasions, especially from the Saracens.
In the 9th century, the village came under the possession of the monastery of Santissima Trinità a Due Vergini, which depended on the abbey of Sant'Angelo in Cornacchiano. The surrounding hills were consecrated to the martyr saints, including Buono. In the 10th century, the village was fortified by the Attoni, Gastald of Teate, with the construction of a castle, named "castrum Bonum," and defensive walls.
Legends and curiosities
San Buono is rich in legends and curiosities, such as the presence of a sanctuary of the Frentani and artifacts from the Iron Age in Fonte San Nicola and in other sanctuaries in the area. Don't miss the medieval village, with its stone houses and narrow streets, and the Church of San Nicola, where you can admire a valuable canvas from the 18th century.
San Buono is also renowned for its festivals and traditions: do not miss the festival of the patron saint San Buono on May 5th, the "sagra del tortellone," a typical local dish, and the festival of Madonna delle Grazie in Castellaro, a fraction of the municipality.
Conclusions
San Buono is a municipality with a rich historical and cultural heritage, between legends and traditional festivals. The beauty of the medieval village is combined with the presence of archaeological remains that bear witness to the presence of ancient settlements. We invite you to visit this magical place and discover its wonders!
