Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
Welcome to Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about a very special place: Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, a small municipality located in the province of L'Aquila in Abruzzo, with only 86 inhabitants. Despite being one of the least populated municipalities in Italy, I assure you that it is a charming place to visit. In this summary I will take you on a journey to discover Villa Santa Lucia and its natural and historical beauties.
The physical geography of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi is located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, on the southern slopes of the Gran Sasso chain. When you arrive in this beautiful village, the first element that catches your attention is the view of the underlying valley of the Tirino river. Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi is also surrounded by a forest of oak and beech, which makes it a true paradise for nature lovers. Another very popular attraction for tourists is hiking in the mountains, as Villa Santa Lucia is a perfect base for medium and high mountain hikes. The summit of Monte Cappucciata, for example, overlooks the town center and offers breathtaking views. In addition, from Cannatina it is possible to catch a glimpse of the entire valley of the Pescara river and the territory of the province of Chieti, with the possibility of having a charming view of the Adriatic Sea.
The history of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi has a very interesting and ancient history. The origins of the settlement date back to the Italic period, from the 10th to the 4th century BC, when the center was under the dominion of Aufinum, a Vestine city, from which the name of "Aufinaes Cismontani" derives, an outpost for the protection of the underlying valley. Between 775 and 800 AD, Aceprando, a former Lombard warrior of King Desiderius, together with other insurgents, reaches the source of Villocchera, where he settles. Between 950 and 1000 AD, Villocchera expands and takes on the name Villa, then Villa Santa Lucia for the veneration of the Sicilian saint in Corfinio. In a bubble of Pope Paschal II, published in 1112, the church of Santa Lucia is mentioned. In the twentieth century, strong emigration depopulated the village and many citizens moved to the USA and Canada. Previously a fraction of Ofena, Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi became an autonomous municipality in 1910.
Symbols of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
The coat of arms and the banner of the Municipality of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi were granted by the President of the Republic on March 6th, 2006. The banner is a yellow flag with a blue border.
Monuments and places of interest of Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
If you visit Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, you cannot miss its monuments and places of interest. The current architectural structure of the town center, of medieval formation, is that of the village without fortification. Inside the town center there are two churches to visit: San Rocco and Santa Lucia. In addition, it is interesting to visit the palace of the Mattozza family. But the most precious treasure of Villa Santa Lucia is the rural church of Santa Maria delle Vicenne, dating back to the 10th century, located at about 1000 meters of altitude, along an ancient path that from the Valle Tritana, passing through the town, and in particular the medieval village of Randino, crossed the mountain ridge to penetrate the Voltigno plateau, on the border with the province of Pescara. In addition, in the nearby fraction of Carrufo, an ancient "Castrum Rufi" whose origins date back to 850 AD, there are other places of interest to visit.
I hope that this summary has made you want to visit such an enchanting place as Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi. If you are looking for a vacation in an unspoiled place, in close contact with Italian nature and history, Villa Santa Lucia is the right place for you!
