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Guardiagrele
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NEARBY TOWNS
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Nocciano
Pietranico
Roccamontepiano
Rosciano
Scafa
Turrivalignani
Known throughout Abruzzo for its wrought-iron craft, copper craft and gold-work, Guardiagrele was the home of the great goldsmith and sculptor Nicola da Guardiagrele, who was born there in the late 15th century. Even today craftsmen of Guardiagrele carry on this tradition, working with wrought iron and copper, and making gold jewelry.
The historic center of the town originated in the 7th century, when a Lombard defensive garrison was built there. For a long time this old center of artisans flourished without fear of attack because of its location on a steep cliff, as well as because of its defensive walls, built in the medieval era, which had more than 30 towers or "fortresses." Among the best preserved of these towers are: the Lombard Fortress or Tower of the Orsini, the biggest and most imposing of the fortresses, built with large tan-colored stones; the Torre Adriana, a slim cylindrical structure near the Porto San Giovanni, which together with Torre Stella are the only round towers along the walls; and Torre San Pietro and Torre Astalda.
Because Guardiagrele was heavily damaged in World War II, the only street in the old center that still retains its original medieval characteristics is a section of via della Penna.
There are many churches in Guardiagrele, the biggest of which is Santa Maria Maggiore (see above). Originally built in the 11th century over an ancient temple dating from the year 430 A.D., it has been reconstructed many times, most recently in the early 1700s following damage caused by a tremendous earthquake that involved all of Abruzzo. The church interior includes in its treasure a magnificent silver cross by Nicola da Guardiagrele.
The church of San Silvestro is built on the site of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Diana; constructed in 389 A.D., the temple was converted to a Christian church only 30 years later. The church of San Nicola Di Bari is also built on the site of a pagan temple, this one dedicated to Jupiter. The church dates back to the 4th century A.D. and was most recently restored in 1775. The main door of the church is decorated with two stylized lions which came from the temple of Jupiter.
In addition to the old chuches, there are also several 17th century palazzi or mansions that are of architectural interest, including Palazzo De Lucia, Palazzo Elisii and Palazzo Marini. The town is a popular destination for domestic tourism in summer.
For an Italian website with photos of Guardiagrele, click here.
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