Gallo

Discovering Gallo: a historic Abruzzo village

If you're looking for a charming and historic destination, Gallo might be the perfect place for you. This village in the municipality of Tagliacozzo, located in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo, will offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding nature and learn about its extraordinary history.

Exploring Gallo's physical geography

Gallo is situated 851 meters above sea level and is located on a hill at the foot of Mount Faito. The village borders to the north with the localities of Scanzano (Sante Marie) and Marano dei Marsi, to the south-southeast with Tagliacozzo and San Donato (Tagliacozzo) and to the west with Poggetello. The village is only 3.4 kilometers from the municipal center.

Discovering Gallo: history and beauty in an Abruzzese village.

A brief history lesson

Gallo's history dates back to the 12th century when the toponym "Gualdo" appeared in the papal bull of Pope Clement III, which indicated the church of San Silvestro as part of the possessions of the Diocese of Avezzano. The original village, formerly called Gaudium, was built in a higher position and closer to the castle of San Donato (Tagliacozzo) on the slopes of Mount Forcella. In the village, the church of Santa Barbara virgin and martyr was also built, now known as the Church of Santa Barbara. Unfortunately, in 1656, the plague struck the village of Villa Gallo, and the few survivors abandoned and destroyed the old village. It was then rebuilt up the hill, considered to have healthier air and located further downstream in a position close to the ancient route of the Via Tiburtina Valeria.

Architectural heritage in Gallo

Gallo is rich in monuments and places of interest to visit. Among the religious buildings that are worth a visit, there is the Church of Santa Barbara, built at the beginning of the 20th century, but previously there were two other churches with the same name. The Church of San Silvestro, which is mentioned in the papal bull of Pope Clement III of the 12th century, is another interesting stop for history enthusiasts.

For those who love discovering archaeological heritage, there are numerous attractions. In the area adjacent to the provincial road that connects Gallo to the villages of Santo Stefano (Sante Marie) and Poggio Filippo, remains of Roman settlements have emerged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination full of history, Gallo is the right place to go. This Abruzzo village will enchant you with the beauty of the surrounding nature and offer you the opportunity to learn about the history of the village and admire its architectural heritage.

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Wednesday, May 4, 2022