Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio: an ancient village in Sante Marie
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Castelvecchio, an ancient village located in the municipality of Sante Marie, in Abruzzo. This hamlet is situated at an altitude of 954 meters on a hill in the Grotte di Luppa regional nature reserve, on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio. In this article, I will tell you a little about its history and physical geography.
Physical Geography
Castelvecchio is located about 3.2 kilometers from the municipal capital and is surrounded by the Val de' Varri and the locality of Leofreni in the municipality of Pescorocchiano to the north, and Santo Stefano to the east. To the southeast of the inhabited area are the valleys of Macina and del Pantano which flow into Sante Marie and Poggetello. The hilly position offers a panoramic view of the valley below and allows you to enjoy a cool and ventilated climate, ideal for escaping the summer heat.
History
The village of Castelvecchio was founded after the destruction of Varri Castle, which was located nearby. The center was built between the 11th and 13th centuries with the aim of controlling the underlying valleys of Macina and de' Varri, which were passage areas between Marsica and Cicolano. The name of the center derives from "Castrum Veterum," a fenced castle that was mentioned in several medieval documents with different forms. Over the centuries, the village changed owners many times, passing from the Berardi to the De Ponte, from the Orsini to the De Leoni, and finally to the Colonna. In the Middle Ages, it was part of the County of Carsoli and the Duchy of Tagliacozzo, acquiring administrative autonomy and being equipped with nine coats of arms and preonciari and onciary cadastre. In 1809, following the abolition of feudalism laws, Castelvecchio was included in the government of Tagliacozzo, and later in the district of Cittaducale together with the district of Tagliacozzo. In 1811, with the foundation of the district of Avezzano, Castelvecchio was annexed to the municipality of Sante Marie.
The modern history of Castelvecchio
In 1861, during the Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, Castelvecchio was the scene of an event that marked its history. In this hamlet, in fact, the Bourbon General José Borjes, sent by Francesco II of Bourbon to reconquer the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, was captured. Borjes was captured by the Royal Army's bersaglieri near the state road 5 quater Via Tiburtina Valeria, in the locality of Casale Mastroddi.
Conclusions
Here are some information about Castelvecchio, a hamlet full of history and charm, where you can enjoy a cool climate and a breathtaking panorama of the valley below. If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend your holidays, Castelvecchio is definitely a destination to consider!
