Tollo
Greetings from Tollo! Let's explore this Abruzzo village together
Welcome to Tollo, a small municipality located in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. With its 3,893 inhabitants, Tollo stands out for its central position in the Abruzzo territory and for its history that dates back centuries. In this text, we will discover together the geographical features of the territory, its history, and its hidden treasures.
Physical Geography
Tollo is located on a hill with a rounded shape at an altitude of 150 meters and extends over approximately 15 square kilometers. The territory is crossed by the Venna and Arielli rivers, which respectively mark the western and eastern borders of the Tollo territory. In the seismic classification of Italy by the civil protection agency, Tollo is identified as "Zone 3," which means it has low seismicity, while in the climatic classification of Italian municipalities, it is marked as "Zone D." Tollo is surrounded by similar inhabited centers such as Crecchio, Miglianico, or Canosa Sannita. In the municipal territory, some areas are at risk of landslides classified as R1 (moderate) and to a lesser extent R3 (high) and R4 (very high).
History
Name Origins and Foundation
There are various hypotheses about the origins of the town, partly due to the lack of historical documentation and archaeological excavations. The name "Tollo" could derive from the city's foundation by a group of crusaders, originally from Tulle (France), between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century. These soldiers built some fortified places - from which the names of the current districts and locations - dominated by the defensive tower located in what is now the central square. In 1067, in a donation document from the Teatine Count Attone to the homonymous Teatine Bishop, the Castle of Tollo is mentioned as the northern border. It is, therefore, clear that the toponym referred to a real castle, as well as a village of cultivators as passed down by the following parchment.
Hidden Treasures
Despite the lack of certain historical sources, Tollo boasts numerous points of interest. One of the most suggestive is undoubtedly the Castle, which since 1320 houses the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, a chapel that contains precious works of art, including a 15th-century processional cross. The Civic Tower, located in the town square, is a place of historical and artistic interest and offers a panoramic view of the valley. Other places of interest are the Church of San Nicola, built in the sixteenth century, the Convent of San Francesco, dating back to the eighteenth century, and the D'Alessandro Palace, a noble residence of the seventeenth century that now houses the municipal library.
Food and Wine
Tollo is famous for its production of fine wines, as well as for its typical products such as olives, cherries, and chestnuts. The most famous wine is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, which stands out for its intense and fruity flavor. Typical products can be tasted in the numerous restaurants and farmhouses in the area.
Events
Tollo hosts numerous cultural and religious events throughout the year. One of the most important is the Sagra del Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, held every year in August and boasting over 50 years of history. During the event, local wine producers offer free tastings, and musical and cultural shows are held. Another must-see event is the celebration of patron Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated on June 11 with processions and fireworks.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Tollo is an Abruzzo municipality that boasts a central position and a long history that goes back in time. Despite the lack of documentary sources, the territory of Tollo offers numerous hidden treasures such as the Castle, the Civic Tower, and the churches. The production of fine wines, olives, and local typical products contribute to making Tollo a must-visit place for food and wine enthusiasts. Finally, the cultural and religious events hosted during the year make Tollo a lively and welcoming place, where you can fully experience Abruzzo culture and tradition.
