Rapino, Province of Chieti, Abruzzo

Of very ancient origin, Rapino was known in the past for the art of ceramics, brought to the highest splendour by Fedele Cappelletti and other famous potters of his family; recently this activity has been growing again.

Info

Altitude: 420 m a.s.l
Distance from Chieti: 20 km
Population: ca. 1400 inhabitants in 2010
Postal code: 66010
Dialing Area Code: +39 0871
Frazioni: Case Nuove, Colle Cese, Coste Micucci, Ortaglio, Piano, Pretaro, Vicenne
How to reach it: by motorway, A25 exit Chieti; by road, SS 81 from Chieti.

History

The oldest findings of human settlements in the area date back to the Paleolithic. In the "Grotta del Colle" a huge circular cave, the famous "Bronze of Rapino" a slab with an inscription in Oscan, was found in 1846. In the Middle Ages the countryside was involved in the colonization by Benedictine monks. Among its feudal lords were the Orsini and the Colonna.

What to see

The Shrine of Madonna di Carpineto (Our Lady of Carpineto), built in memory of the apparition of Our Lady to a shepherd boy.
The ruins of the walls and high tower on the hill, near which opens the Grotta del Colle, of prehistoric origin, and a place of worship until the Middle Ages.
The remains of the Monastery of San Salvatore a Maiella.
The church of Sant'Antonio
The Majella National Park.

Events and Festivities

First Sunday in May: Feast of St. Domenico, with representation of an episode in the life of the Saint.
Carnival: Representation of the "Carnival of brigands".
Easter Monday: Feast of Madonna della Libera (Our Lady of Liberation).
May 8: Procession of the "Verginelle", in memory of the end of a historic drought, where the help of Our Lady of Carpineto was prayed for.

Where to stay

Hotels.

Genealogy and Links

Map

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Provinces of Abruzzo

Chieti | L'Aquila | Pescara | Teramo

Surnames in the Provinces of Abruzzo

Chieti | L'Aquila | Pescara | Teramo

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