LeMagnolie.com : Art and Culture

History

The history of Abruzzo is linked on one hand, to its position of centrality and transit which has facilitated contact with other regions over the centuries and on the other hand, to the particular structure of the numerous mountain settlements which have encouraged both isolation and the spirit of autonomy of the inhabitants. Abruzzo has been inhabited since the most distant times, and numerous excavations have brought to light a great amount of material from all the prehistoric eras. To learn more about the history of Abruzzo please visit the following site:

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/storia/index.html English version

	Subject Index
Archaeology	Museums	Folklore and traditions	Artistic and Traditional Handicrafts
The Castelli Majolica	Markets	Gastronomy	The art towns & the old villages
Sheep farming	At the seaside	Religiousness	Hermitages

[Homepage] [Farmhouse] [Produces]
[Casa] [Chiesa] [Ricovero]

[contact Us] - [WebMaster]
[Map Site]

Archaeology


	The memories of ancient Abruzzo are still alive in towns dating back to the Roman times, such as Juvanum, Alba Fucens or Corfinium, and in prehistorical sites such as the necropolis of Campovalano (now Campli) and Alfedena, or in the archaeological finds of Touta Maruca at Rapino and in those near Schiavi d'Abruzzo.

[back]

Museums

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/cultura/musei/index.html Italian version

[back]

Folklore and traditions

Abruzzo, the cradle of an ancient rural culture, is one of the few regions of Italy to have maintained its customs and spirit of the past almost intact.
Here are the monthly dates:

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/feste/index.html Italian version

[back]

Artistic and Traditional Handicrafts


	Stone, wood, iron: natural raw materials skilfully worked to obtain small masterpieces for everyday use. This is handicraft. Everywhere in Abruzzo nature has generously given its resources to those who love and respect it. The local craftsmen have learned from nature to shape and to work raw materials to create art and crafts. Not by chance are the Majolicas of Castelli famous all over the world, or that of wrought iron of Guardiagrele is to be boasted of by the hole region, while the confetti of Sulmona (sugar-coated almonds) accompany the happiest moments of our lives: weddings, christenings, communions. There is a myriad of small villages where the artisans production is remarkable: the wood carvings at Pretoro and Castel del Monte, the ceramics at Rapino, the blankets and carpets at Taranta Peligna, the golden filagree and the "tombolo" lace at Pescocostanzo and in Scanno: activities still alive after many centuries have always been a source of wealth for this land of hard workers and diligent craftsmen. http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/artigianato/oreficeria.htm English version

[back]

The Castelli Majolica

The ceramic industry in Abruzzo was most productive during the Baroque and Rococo periods, and came mainly from the Castelli works, which had very ancient origins, as evidenced by some fragments of late-medieval pottery found just outside the town.

To learn more visit:

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/artigianato/maioliche_castelli_1.htm

http://www.heartofitaly.net/town/castelli.html

[back]

Markets

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/fiere/mercati.htm

[back]

Gastronomy


From the coastal areas to the inland areas, the cuisine of the Abruzzo region is simple and tasty. Traditional dishes, dating from the past, are based on natural ingredients, such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio lentils, Castel Vecchio Calvisio peas, Paganica beans, red garlic from Sulmona, also used for pharmaceutical applications, as well as Avezzano potatoes, saffron and chick-peas from Navelli, and emmer from the province of L'Aquila. Another lesser known but high-quality product from the Abruzzo region is truffles. Extra virgin olive oil is the most popular dressing. http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/gastronomia/index.html English version

[back]

The art towns & the old villages


	Everywhere in Abruzzo it is possible to visit churches, castles, squares, towers and art towns. Those are scattered throughout the mountains and woods as well as on the coast. http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/villaggi/villaggi_antichi_1.htm English version

[back]

Sheep farming

The people of Abruzzo are historically farmers and shepherds.

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/pastorizia/pastorizia_1.htm
English version

[back]

At the seaside

The coastline of Abruzzo is varied, where the low and sandy shores to the north (from Martin Sicuro to Francavilla al Mare) contrasts with the inclined shores to the south (from Ortona to Vasto and San Salvo).

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/mare/index.html English version

[back]

Religiousness

Many of the sacred places in Abruzzo today are witnesses to an extraordinary continuity in worship which has involved the whole region since earliest times.

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/culto.htm English version

Religious Routes

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/giubileo/en/index.html English version

[back]

Hermitages

Hermitagege of S.Bartolomeo (Right)

Hermitage of S.Liberatore (down)

Abruzzo, a region characterised by a delicate balance of nature, art, and faith, takes the hermit's life as an example of religious faith. Cut off from the world in search of an alternative way of ascetic life, hermits lived in caves and underground dens, which were later converted (thanks to the local people's faith) into proper buildings cut into the rocks.

http://www.regione.abruzzo.it/turismo/en/cultura/culto_4.htm English version