Villalfonsina
Welcome to Villalfonsina!
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Villalfonsina, a small town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. If you're looking for a peaceful place surrounded by nature, this is the right place for you. With its 892 inhabitants, Villalfonsina is the perfect place for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, away from the stress of the city.
History
The history of Villalfonsina is still uncertain, but there are several theories about it. According to some texts, the town would have been founded in the 16th century by Alfonso Caracciolo, prince of San Buono and Baron of Casalbordino. Other sources suggest instead that the town was founded by the Slavs fleeing from the Balkans to escape the Turkish threat. At that time, the area was under the fiefdom of the d'Avalos of Vasto, who owned a palace surrounded by farmhouses of colonists and servants.
Symbols
The municipality of Villalfonsina has a coat of arms and a gonfalon granted by decree of the President of the Republic on May 22, 2002.
What to see in Villalfonsina
If you decide to visit Villalfonsina, I recommend visiting the old town and the parish church of Santa Maria della Neve.
The old town
The origin of the old town is still unknown. The houses are arranged in a comb shape on both sides of the ridge on which the main road axis (Corso Adriatico) is located, which at the height of the Church of Santa Maria della Neve is cut in two: Via del Pozzo and Via Del Forno. The houses located on the main axis are single-family often connected to each other by under-ports, courtyards, hallways, and external stairs. Among the main attractions of the old town are a grooved portal in carved stone dating back to 1849 and the palaces of the Cinosi, Salerni, Gizzi, and Di Risio families, modernized in the 19th century in neoclassical style.
Parish Church of Santa Maria della Neve
The parish church of Santa Maria della Neve is located in Piazza Roma. The first layout may be earlier than the 17th century with transformations in the following century. The dichromatism of the bell tower is created in fragments of brick and sandstone. The facade is divided into three registers by two pilasters. The portal is surmounted by a tympanum topped by a large window with a mixed-line frame. In addition to the paintings inside, there are stuccos covered with paintings. The interior of the church is a single nave and is worth a visit.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Villalfonsina is a perfect place for a day trip in search of tranquility and beauty. The old town and the parish church of Santa Maria della Neve are just some of the attractions that you can visit. I recommend taking a whole day to visit the town, taste local products, and enjoy the beauty of its panoramic views. This small municipality will surely leave you with a special memory!