Helene Rosalie’s guidebook

Historic & Interesting Sites in Surrounding Area

Under an 1 hour driving time from Roccaspinalveti

Castello Franceschelli

The ancient castle dates back to Norman (11th century). There is little evidence of the medieval period, because already in the 15th century the castle was abandoned. In the seventeenth century the rest of the castle was restored by the noble family of Franceschelli, who adapted the fortress in baronial building. Not Open To The Public, but interesting to view within the historic district of Montazzoli.

Castello Franceschelli

1 Via Belvedere

The ancient castle dates back to Norman (11th century). There is little evidence of the medieval period, because already in the 15th century the castle was abandoned. In the seventeenth century the rest of the castle was restored by the noble family of Franceschelli, who adapted the fortress in baronial building. Not Open To The Public, but interesting to view within the historic district of Montazzoli.

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio a Montazzoli

The Church of St. Anthonio in Montazzoli is located behind the Parish Church of San Silvestro. According to local tradition, it was built in the eighteenth century, but in fact dates back to before, while in that century were probably executed renovation of an existing chapel, at the entrance of the barony family Montazzoli Franceschelli. The Church has preserved furniture, ornaments and decorations of the Baroque style. Among these, the great organ of the eighteenth century, may be attributed to Francesco D'Onofrio senior for the presence of some structural elements that are related to his particular technique. The organ is located on the left side of the nave by a wooden choir resting on a confessional. On the parapet, between spirals typical of Baroque style, is placed a medallion with the date of construction of the organ,

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio a Montazzoli

Piazza Città dell'Aquila

The Church of St. Anthonio in Montazzoli is located behind the Parish Church of San Silvestro. According to local tradition, it was built in the eighteenth century, but in fact dates back to before, while in that century were probably executed renovation of an existing chapel, at the entrance of the barony family Montazzoli Franceschelli. The Church has preserved furniture, ornaments and decorations of the Baroque style. Among these, the great organ of the eighteenth century, may be attributed to Francesco D'Onofrio senior for the presence of some structural elements that are related to his particular technique. The organ is located on the left side of the nave by a wooden choir resting on a confessional. On the parapet, between spirals typical of Baroque style, is placed a medallion with the date of construction of the organ,

Oasi Naturale Abetina di Selva Grande

The silver fir forests in peninsular Italy are now few and localized. One of the most substantial nuclei is located right in the municipality of Castiglione Messer Marino. The Abetina natural oasis of Selva Grande is a protected natural area established in 1996 and managed by the WWF where forests of firs and beeches, once used for wood and for the production of coal, cover pristine hills and valleys. The 800-hectare Abetina di Selva Grande is divided into three parts: the silver fir forest, the beech forest and the pasture areas. The silver fir presents itself alone, or mixed with beech and other species such as maples, including the rare Lobelius maple, the yew, the lime, the major ash, the mountain elm, the white hornbeam, the Turkey oak, the hazel and mountain rowan. The undergrowth is very rich, with very beautiful plants like the crocus, the scilla, the seal of Solomon and the aquilegia. Mammals are represented by the most noble species: wolf, wild cat, marten and roe deer. You can also observe peaks, including the rare black woodpecker, and many birds of prey, such as the goshawk, sparrow hawk, buzzard and, among the nocturnal, the tawny owl and the owl. The shadow of the branches and foliage is the realm of small birds such as the chaffinch, the bullfinch, the little flower and various tits. The best time to visit the oasis of the fir trees is late spring, summer and autumn: snow and frost dominate in winter.

Oasi Naturale Abetina di Selva Grande

Rifugio del Cinghiale

The silver fir forests in peninsular Italy are now few and localized. One of the most substantial nuclei is located right in the municipality of Castiglione Messer Marino. The Abetina natural oasis of Selva Grande is a protected natural area established in 1996 and managed by the WWF where forests of firs and beeches, once used for wood and for the production of coal, cover pristine hills and valleys. The 800-hectare Abetina di Selva Grande is divided into three parts: the silver fir forest, the beech forest and the pasture areas. The silver fir presents itself alone, or mixed with beech and other species such as maples, including the rare Lobelius maple, the yew, the lime, the major ash, the mountain elm, the white hornbeam, the Turkey oak, the hazel and mountain rowan. The undergrowth is very rich, with very beautiful plants like the crocus, the scilla, the seal of Solomon and the aquilegia. Mammals are represented by the most noble species: wolf, wild cat, marten and roe deer. You can also observe peaks, including the rare black woodpecker, and many birds of prey, such as the goshawk, sparrow hawk, buzzard and, among the nocturnal, the tawny owl and the owl. The shadow of the branches and foliage is the realm of small birds such as the chaffinch, the bullfinch, the little flower and various tits. The best time to visit the oasis of the fir trees is late spring, summer and autumn: snow and frost dominate in winter.

Chiesa di Santa Maria o del Purgatorio

A Trip Adviser review: "While in Carunchio for a cooking school, we visited this little church that is in village square. The interior is beautifully decorated with a large part of the wall covered by a 15th century fresco. The top part of the fresco, unfortunately, needs restoration. We felt very much at peace going to mass there, and the pastor welcomed us publicly in front of the congregation.

Chiesa di Santa Maria o del Purgatorio

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele

A Trip Adviser review: "While in Carunchio for a cooking school, we visited this little church that is in village square. The interior is beautifully decorated with a large part of the wall covered by a 15th century fresco. The top part of the fresco, unfortunately, needs restoration. We felt very much at peace going to mass there, and the pastor welcomed us publicly in front of the congregation.

Fonte Paradiso

Google review "A Paradise in the true sense of the word .. place of worship for meditation and relaxation"

Fonte Paradiso

Google review "A Paradise in the true sense of the word .. place of worship for meditation and relaxation"

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino

The parish church of San Martino was built in the 14th century on the summit of the ancient village of Liscia . In the XVIII century it was subjected to renovations that provided it with a new facade. The interiors decorated with stucco date back to the eighteenth century interventions.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino

Via Mercurio

The parish church of San Martino was built in the 14th century on the summit of the ancient village of Liscia . In the XVIII century it was subjected to renovations that provided it with a new facade. The interiors decorated with stucco date back to the eighteenth century interventions.

Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo

In a rocky environment, immersed in a particular and suggestive natural scenery, the ancient «Grotta», rich in stalactites, is dug in the heart of the rock from which a fresh and abundant water gushes out. It is said that St. Michael the Archangel appeared. At the bottom presents an altar with the image of the Archangel in a small picture illuminated by an oil lamp. Adjacent to the cave, the Marquesses of Avalos built the votive chapel in the early 18th century, which was also very impressive. It has a single altar on which stands the wooden statue of St. Michael (18th century) attributed to the Neapolitan sculptor Giacomo Colombo. It was expanded into further baroque-style forms later.

Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo

SP212

In a rocky environment, immersed in a particular and suggestive natural scenery, the ancient «Grotta», rich in stalactites, is dug in the heart of the rock from which a fresh and abundant water gushes out. It is said that St. Michael the Archangel appeared. At the bottom presents an altar with the image of the Archangel in a small picture illuminated by an oil lamp. Adjacent to the cave, the Marquesses of Avalos built the votive chapel in the early 18th century, which was also very impressive. It has a single altar on which stands the wooden statue of St. Michael (18th century) attributed to the Neapolitan sculptor Giacomo Colombo. It was expanded into further baroque-style forms later.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Silvestro Papa

he parish church of San Silvestro, situated at the highest point of Fraine with its bell tower, dominates the town with its massive bulk of stone. The segments are fairly squared off in parts of the facade, more irregular in others. Above the portal, the façade is preserved a precious stone element erratic with traces of polychrome probably depicting the coat of arms with the lion rampant of Caracciolo. The bell tower, stone, with massive appearance almost watchtower, appears divided into several registers cornices. Of quadrangular plan has, on the ground floor, a round arch.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Silvestro Papa

Via Umberto I

he parish church of San Silvestro, situated at the highest point of Fraine with its bell tower, dominates the town with its massive bulk of stone. The segments are fairly squared off in parts of the facade, more irregular in others. Above the portal, the façade is preserved a precious stone element erratic with traces of polychrome probably depicting the coat of arms with the lion rampant of Caracciolo. The bell tower, stone, with massive appearance almost watchtower, appears divided into several registers cornices. Of quadrangular plan has, on the ground floor, a round arch.

Church of San Domenico

The small rural church of San Domenico located at the edge of the forest known as the Vicenne not far from the other Church, also rural in Santa Maria Mater Domini, was commissioned by Martino Giuseppe fu Innocenzo (as can be seen from the parish register of 1800) which built it on his own fund and at his own expense endowing it with the goods necessary for its maintenance in the years immediately before 1840. The legend tells that the peasant Martino, while he was plowing the fields, fell into a chasm full of snakes from which he succeeded unharmed only for having invoked the name of the Saint. Of particular beauty is the statue of San Domenico high m. 1.80 placed in the niche of the altar.

Church of San Domenico

The small rural church of San Domenico located at the edge of the forest known as the Vicenne not far from the other Church, also rural in Santa Maria Mater Domini, was commissioned by Martino Giuseppe fu Innocenzo (as can be seen from the parish register of 1800) which built it on his own fund and at his own expense endowing it with the goods necessary for its maintenance in the years immediately before 1840. The legend tells that the peasant Martino, while he was plowing the fields, fell into a chasm full of snakes from which he succeeded unharmed only for having invoked the name of the Saint. Of particular beauty is the statue of San Domenico high m. 1.80 placed in the niche of the altar.

Church of St. Lorenzo Martire

The church, already mentioned in the tenths of the first decades of the fourteenth century, is the result of the transformations that completely invested the fortified village of San Buono in the sixteenth century. In fact, as well as the adjacent noble building of the Caracciolos, it incorporates the remains of a medieval castle of which today only written evidence remains. Further transformations were due to the need for structural consolidation following the numerous earthquakes in the Abruzzo-Molise region. In 1774, following the arrival of the relics of San Buono, a crypt was built where the body of the martyr, patron saint of the city, is still preserved today. There are paintings of the Neapolitan school of the 17th century and a beautiful marble altar of the 18th century.

Church of St. Lorenzo Martire

Piazza Giuseppe Amicarelli

The church, already mentioned in the tenths of the first decades of the fourteenth century, is the result of the transformations that completely invested the fortified village of San Buono in the sixteenth century. In fact, as well as the adjacent noble building of the Caracciolos, it incorporates the remains of a medieval castle of which today only written evidence remains. Further transformations were due to the need for structural consolidation following the numerous earthquakes in the Abruzzo-Molise region. In 1774, following the arrival of the relics of San Buono, a crypt was built where the body of the martyr, patron saint of the city, is still preserved today. There are paintings of the Neapolitan school of the 17th century and a beautiful marble altar of the 18th century.

Convento di Sant'Antonio

Home to the Museo per l'Arte, l'Archeologia e la Cultura del Vastese. The Museum for art and archeology of Vasto was housed in the former Convent of St. Anthony of San Buono (Chieti), in a beautiful green setting at the foot of Monte Sorbo. The convent was built in the sixteenth century by the Capuchin Friars, in an unspoilt area rich in meadows, woods and springs. A stream passes under the kitchen of the convent and from it the brothers a water supplying time required drawing it with a bucket that was lowered through a special hatch. Ranked in 1998 as a museum of regional interest, it documented the most significant manifestations of material culture and art of the peoples who inhabited the current area of Vasto. Prehistory and Early History. The museum exhibited a splendid tusk Elephas antiquus , found in locations Nougat Scerni in the 70s dating to about 400,000 years ago. Archaic period . The area of the innermost vastese was inhabited by Safini while Frentani occupied the Adriatic coast between the rivers Fortore Forum in North and South. The area of Vasto has, so far, returned a few written records, the most important being the bronze cylinder, found in the territory of Casalbordino, engraved with the first ten letters of the alphabet under the Osco many flowers and votive bronze key, from Tufillo, donated by the "Agello" communities to Herentas goddess, similar to the Greek Aphrodite. Very interesting are the funerary objects unearthed in Gissi, Villalfonsina and Carpineto Sinello and archaic bronze ornaments from different localities of Vasto. Very rare are the armor-bronze disks found in Paglieta, Vasto and Villalfonsina, decorated with fantastic image of the animal typical of safina culture. Important is, then, the ceramic votive material, stone and terracotta coming from the sacred area of Fonte San Nicola, on the eastern slopes of Monte Sorbo. Roman Age. Durations the Roman era, today's area of Vasto was divided between municipia of Tereventum and Histonium. Between the third and fourth centuries d. C., Valle del Trigno manifested a certain vitality, whose causes are to be found in the growing importance of the time from the eastern part of the Roman Empire. One of the hubs of the economy in the late Roman Vastese was the recent settlement located in the center of San Salvo, whose fortune is probably associated with the landing at the mouth of the river Trigno - the " Trinium portuosum " Pliny the Vecchio- intended to promote trade with the eastern territories.

Convento di Sant'Antonio

Home to the Museo per l'Arte, l'Archeologia e la Cultura del Vastese. The Museum for art and archeology of Vasto was housed in the former Convent of St. Anthony of San Buono (Chieti), in a beautiful green setting at the foot of Monte Sorbo. The convent was built in the sixteenth century by the Capuchin Friars, in an unspoilt area rich in meadows, woods and springs. A stream passes under the kitchen of the convent and from it the brothers a water supplying time required drawing it with a bucket that was lowered through a special hatch. Ranked in 1998 as a museum of regional interest, it documented the most significant manifestations of material culture and art of the peoples who inhabited the current area of Vasto. Prehistory and Early History. The museum exhibited a splendid tusk Elephas antiquus , found in locations Nougat Scerni in the 70s dating to about 400,000 years ago. Archaic period . The area of the innermost vastese was inhabited by Safini while Frentani occupied the Adriatic coast between the rivers Fortore Forum in North and South. The area of Vasto has, so far, returned a few written records, the most important being the bronze cylinder, found in the territory of Casalbordino, engraved with the first ten letters of the alphabet under the Osco many flowers and votive bronze key, from Tufillo, donated by the "Agello" communities to Herentas goddess, similar to the Greek Aphrodite. Very interesting are the funerary objects unearthed in Gissi, Villalfonsina and Carpineto Sinello and archaic bronze ornaments from different localities of Vasto. Very rare are the armor-bronze disks found in Paglieta, Vasto and Villalfonsina, decorated with fantastic image of the animal typical of safina culture. Important is, then, the ceramic votive material, stone and terracotta coming from the sacred area of Fonte San Nicola, on the eastern slopes of Monte Sorbo. Roman Age. Durations the Roman era, today's area of Vasto was divided between municipia of Tereventum and Histonium. Between the third and fourth centuries d. C., Valle del Trigno manifested a certain vitality, whose causes are to be found in the growing importance of the time from the eastern part of the Roman Empire. One of the hubs of the economy in the late Roman Vastese was the recent settlement located in the center of San Salvo, whose fortune is probably associated with the landing at the mouth of the river Trigno - the " Trinium portuosum " Pliny the Vecchio- intended to promote trade with the eastern territories.

Castello Marchesale di Palmoli

The castle was built by the Pandulfo-Di Sangro of the Counts of Monteodorisio. In 1095, while the marquis palace dates back to the 15th century and the chapel of San Carlo to 1772 built by the marquis Severino di Gagliati. Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light the remains of glazed ceramic from the 11th century, mostly found in the gap between the old circular tower and the polygonal tower. The castle is located in the northern district of the town called Le Coste in defense of the Treste river. The manor consists of a tower of dodecagonal shape perhaps of sixteenth-century origin that has incorporated a circular tower, the palace of the Severino-Longo and the church of San Carlo Borromeo. Until the early twentieth century there was also a tower called the "Torrione" with vertical walls without shoes. A garden inside the castle is equipped with casemates for the defense of the marquis palace. The prevailing material for the construction is the local limestone, sometimes well squared (in corner corners or in supporting arches. For the cornices, the bricks are used (bricks and tiles arranged on rows and protruding on the façade. The balconies balconies they are made of more compact limestone called Istrian stone, scattered here and there you can admire the greenish-gray architectural elements of sandstone as in the marquis palace.Investigations have brought to light the city walls and a water pipe in brick adjacent to the shoe on the south side of the polygonal tower.

Castello Marchesale di Palmoli

Via San Nicola

The castle was built by the Pandulfo-Di Sangro of the Counts of Monteodorisio. In 1095, while the marquis palace dates back to the 15th century and the chapel of San Carlo to 1772 built by the marquis Severino di Gagliati. Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light the remains of glazed ceramic from the 11th century, mostly found in the gap between the old circular tower and the polygonal tower. The castle is located in the northern district of the town called Le Coste in defense of the Treste river. The manor consists of a tower of dodecagonal shape perhaps of sixteenth-century origin that has incorporated a circular tower, the palace of the Severino-Longo and the church of San Carlo Borromeo. Until the early twentieth century there was also a tower called the "Torrione" with vertical walls without shoes. A garden inside the castle is equipped with casemates for the defense of the marquis palace. The prevailing material for the construction is the local limestone, sometimes well squared (in corner corners or in supporting arches. For the cornices, the bricks are used (bricks and tiles arranged on rows and protruding on the façade. The balconies balconies they are made of more compact limestone called Istrian stone, scattered here and there you can admire the greenish-gray architectural elements of sandstone as in the marquis palace.Investigations have brought to light the city walls and a water pipe in brick adjacent to the shoe on the south side of the polygonal tower.

Church of Saint Mary of Grace

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Via Veneto in Palmoli in the province of Chieti. Already existing previously, it was entirely rebuilt in the seventeenth century, under the patronage of the Marquis Gagliati. The sandstone bell tower is from the 16th century. In ancient times it must have served as a defensive tower. The façade consists of a square rose window with rounded corners towards the inside and a tympanum. The bell tower, with a quadrangular base, has a pyramidal spire. The interior of the church has three naves. In the choir there is an organ with a prospect divided by pilasters and gilded wooden decorations. The organ cannot be played, the canes are 25 and distributed over three bays. Inside, the body of Saint Valentine is kept from 1824, of which the relic of the arm was already present in 1704. The chapel was built between 1898 and 1904 to a design by engineer Rota.

Church of Saint Mary of Grace

Via Vittorio Veneto

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Via Veneto in Palmoli in the province of Chieti. Already existing previously, it was entirely rebuilt in the seventeenth century, under the patronage of the Marquis Gagliati. The sandstone bell tower is from the 16th century. In ancient times it must have served as a defensive tower. The façade consists of a square rose window with rounded corners towards the inside and a tympanum. The bell tower, with a quadrangular base, has a pyramidal spire. The interior of the church has three naves. In the choir there is an organ with a prospect divided by pilasters and gilded wooden decorations. The organ cannot be played, the canes are 25 and distributed over three bays. Inside, the body of Saint Valentine is kept from 1824, of which the relic of the arm was already present in 1704. The chapel was built between 1898 and 1904 to a design by engineer Rota.

Pallanum

Monte Pallano , with its 1020 m above sea level, is today as 2500 years ago, a point of enviable observation of the surrounding territory , towards the sea to the northeast, towards the Val di Sangro and the Eastern Majella west, Molise to the south and towards the mountains Frentani dell'altovastese southeast. At his feet lie the countries of Bomba and Tornareccio , one on the western slope overlooking a beautiful lake, and the other on the eastern side, famous for its honey production and the mosaics that adorn the facades of houses. Far away from the busier resorts, Monte Pallano has preserved its old fascination that makes it an ideal destination for those who want to rediscover the ancestral link between man and nature . In fact, through a suggestive nature trail you can reach one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the province. Because of all these favorable geo-morphological conditions, Mount Pallano men of the Italic tribe Frentani settled in the distant past and, between the fifth and fourth centuries BC erected the imposing megalithic walls in their city protection , the legendary palanùd luvkanateìs . Golden age of the Frentani followed the era of the Romans, that of cultural fusion process that the Romans to conquer peacefully attuavano another population. But in imperial times the city, which has become Pallanum, is heading towards a slow decline, which will end around the second-third century AD with the final abandonment of the city.

Pallanum

Monte Pallano , with its 1020 m above sea level, is today as 2500 years ago, a point of enviable observation of the surrounding territory , towards the sea to the northeast, towards the Val di Sangro and the Eastern Majella west, Molise to the south and towards the mountains Frentani dell'altovastese southeast. At his feet lie the countries of Bomba and Tornareccio , one on the western slope overlooking a beautiful lake, and the other on the eastern side, famous for its honey production and the mosaics that adorn the facades of houses. Far away from the busier resorts, Monte Pallano has preserved its old fascination that makes it an ideal destination for those who want to rediscover the ancestral link between man and nature . In fact, through a suggestive nature trail you can reach one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the province. Because of all these favorable geo-morphological conditions, Mount Pallano men of the Italic tribe Frentani settled in the distant past and, between the fifth and fourth centuries BC erected the imposing megalithic walls in their city protection , the legendary palanùd luvkanateìs . Golden age of the Frentani followed the era of the Romans, that of cultural fusion process that the Romans to conquer peacefully attuavano another population. But in imperial times the city, which has become Pallanum, is heading towards a slow decline, which will end around the second-third century AD with the final abandonment of the city.

Fortified town of Policorvo

Pre-Napoleonic villa corresponding to the current hamlet with this name (fortified village and church of S. Vittoria). Mentioned in the year 1036 as the castle of Pesucurulo. Also the church of S. Maria ad Sinellum erected there, ruined after the XVI century, must be ancient (perhaps cited already in the IX century). There is no trace of this castle in the Angevin period. Previously known as Policorno, taxed for the first time in 1443-7, it is 1468 associated with Carpineto. Uninhabited, it re-emerges in 1561 as Villa di Carpineto and is also numbered in 1595 and 1648.

Fortified town of Policorvo

SP138

Pre-Napoleonic villa corresponding to the current hamlet with this name (fortified village and church of S. Vittoria). Mentioned in the year 1036 as the castle of Pesucurulo. Also the church of S. Maria ad Sinellum erected there, ruined after the XVI century, must be ancient (perhaps cited already in the IX century). There is no trace of this castle in the Angevin period. Previously known as Policorno, taxed for the first time in 1443-7, it is 1468 associated with Carpineto. Uninhabited, it re-emerges in 1561 as Villa di Carpineto and is also numbered in 1595 and 1648.