Atessa, Province of Chieti, Abruzzo
The town is perched on two hills in a splendid panoramic position, and preserves the original historical center, with beautiful buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries. According to legend, Atessa was formed by the union of two towns, Ate and Tixe, separated by a valley, at a time when there was in the area a terrible dragon, then killed by San Leucio.
Info
- Altitude: 433 m a.s.l
- Distance from Chieti: 70 km
- Population: ca. 10,000 inhabitants
- Postal code: 66041
- Dialing Area Code: +39 0872
- How to reach it: motorway A14 exit Val di Sangro.
Administrative Division
The comune includes the following frazioni: Aia Santa Maria, Boragna Fontanelle, Boragna San Paolo, Campanelle, Capragrassa, Carapelle, Carriera, Casale, Castellano, Castelluccio, Ceripollo, Colle Comune, Colle d'Aglio, Colle delle Pietre, Colle Flocco, Colle Grilli, Colle Martinelli, Colle Palumbo, Colle Quarti, Colle Rotondo, Colle San Giovanni, Colle Sant'Angelo, Colle Santinella, Colle Santissimo, Cona, Coste Iadonato, Croce Pili, Fazzoli, Fontegrugnale, Fontesquatino, Forca di Iezzi, Forca di Lupo, Fornelli, Giarrocco, Ianico, Lentisce, Mandorle, Mandrioli, Masciavò, Masseria Grande, Molinello, Montecalvo, Montemarcone, Monte Pallano, Monte San Silvestro, Osento, Passo del Vasto, Passo Pincera, Piana Ciccarelli, Piana dei Monaci, Piana dell'Edera, Piana Fallascosa, Piana La Fara, Piana Matteo, Piana Osento, Piana Sant'Antonio, Piana Vacante, Pianello, Piazzano, Pietrascritta, Pili, Querceto, Quercianera, Rigatella, Riguardata Scalella, Rocconi, Saletti, San Giacomo, San Luca, San Marco, Sant'Amico, San Tommaso, Satrino, Sciola, Scorciagallo, Siberia, Solagna Longa, Solagna Rigatella, Sterpari, Vallaspra, Varvaringi.
History
In its territory there are traces of pre-Roman settlements, though the present name is mentioned for the first time in the 10th century AD. The most important feudal lords were the Colonna family. In recent decades the area has undergone major changes as a result of a massive industrialization, mainly along the Sangro valley.
What to see
- The church of San Leucio, with three ogival portals and a rose window of the fourteenth century, with interesting wooden baroque furnishings and, in the sacristy, a silver monstrance by Nicola da Guardiagrele
- The Casa De Marco, with fine 17th-century windows
- The church of San Domenico, with a beautiful 17th-century portal.
Events and Festivities
- Good Friday: Procession of the Dead Christ.
- May: the "'ntorcia" of S. Martino.
- Late July: International Review of Folklore.
- 15-18 August: Ferragosto Atessano.
Where to stay
Genealogy and Links
Map
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