History
Founded by the population of Praetutii, the town was known in ancient times as 'Interamnia' (`between the rivers'). An important Municipium in Roman times, it rapidly declined after the fall of the Empire and, following Goth and Byzantine domination, became part of the territories of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto. In 1156 it was put on fire by Norman Count Roberto di Loretello and then rebuilt thanks to Bishop Guido II. In the XIV and XV centuries it was plagued by feuds between local families which finally ended under the Aragonese dominion. After that it shared the fortunes of the Kingdom of Naples.
It was united with Italy in 1860.
Sights & Excursions
- the Cathedral of San Berardo, built in 1158 by Guido II, with inside a frontal by Nicola da Guardiagrele and 15th century polyptych
- Remains of the Roman Amphitheatre and the Theatre built about 30 B.C., which could accomodate over three thousand people, where still today sports and cultural events take place.
- Church of San Getulio, built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of a Roman temple, finally destroyed in 1155 by the Normans; today only the presbyterium and some Romanesque elements can still be seen of the old architecture.
- Church of Sant'Antonio (13th century), previously San Francesco, with its fine Romanesque portal
- church of Madonna delle Grazie (dating back to the 11th century)
- church of San Domenico (14th century) with a fine Virgin with Child, probably by Gagliardelli
- Archeological Museum with surrounding park
- Chiesa di S. Agostino
- Chiesa di S. Spirito
- Chiesa di S. Benedetto, with fine paintings of the XVI-XVIII centuries
- Casa Melatino
- Palazzo Delfico
- Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie with a remarkable sculpture of the Virgin with child, probably by Silvestro dell'Aquila
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Info
-- Population: ca. 52000 inhabitants
-- Zip code: 64100
-- Phone Area Code: 0861
-- How to reach it: motorway: A24 exit Teramo motorway A16, exit Giulianova or Roseto, then continue along state road about 30 km
- buses: from Rome, L'Aquila, Pescara
- road: S.S. 80 from L'Aquila e Giulianova, S.S. 81 from Ascoli Piceno
Events & Festivities
- Late June: Feast of Madonna delle Grazie
- Late July: "I Trionfi", a historical re-enactment with people in costume and allegorical waggons
- Late July: Sagra of ham, cheese and "casereccio" bread
Hotels, Lodging, Restaurants
Genealogy, News & Link
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