Castagneto
Castagneto: an ancient Abruzzese village overlooking the sea and mountains
Castagneto is a hamlet in the municipality of Teramo, located just 6 km from the Abruzzo capital and at the foot of the Monti della Laga. The small village is located at the end of a branch of the SP 50 that leads to Ioanella.
Physical geography
From its hilltop position, Castagneto offers a spectacular view over both the Adriatic Sea and the Monti della Laga, with the Gran Sasso appearing like a giant asleep.
History
The history of Castagneto is ancient and rich in meaning. Since the year 1000, there have been documented records of the small hamlet and the ancient church of Santa Maria de Praediis, which represents an important testimony of the village's past.
Castagneto was a fiefdom, along with Pantaneto and San Giovanni a Scorzone, of the "Royal and Episcopal City of Teramo". In the heart of the village stands the Ianuarii-Scaricamazza Palace, which takes its name from the family who bought it at the beginning of the 19th century.
Castagneto has always been a reference point for nearby towns, such as Pantaneto, Collecaruno, Collemarino, and Fonte del Latte. The hamlet hosted an elementary school until the 1980s and is still the headquarters of a Frazione Committee, run by the locals, which promotes social activities and brings forward community requests to public administrations.
Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Praediis
The Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Praediis is an important testimony of Castagneto's religious past. Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, using materials from the medieval castle that disappeared in Pantaneto, it was first mentioned in the papal bull of November 27, 1153, by Pope Anastasius IV.
The church has undergone numerous restoration and expansion works over the centuries, but its original architecture remains intact. Its history and beauty make it one of the oldest churches in the province of Teramo.
Notes
Castagneto is a true gem of Abruzzo, a hamlet rich in history and beauty, where the panoramic view ranges from the sea to the mountains, offering a breathtaking landscape.
Related topics
The hamlet of Fonte del Latte, also located in the municipality of Teramo, is another tourist destination of great interest in the area.
Other projects
For more information about Castagneto and the other hamlets in the municipality of Teramo, you can consult the official website of the Abruzzo Region.
