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RIVISONDOLI

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PARK TOWNS Abbateggio Ateleta Bolognano Campo di Giove Cansano Caramanico Terme Civitella M. R. Corfinio Fara San Martino Gamberale Guardiagrele Lama dei Peligni Lettopalena Manoppello Montenerodomo Pacentro Palena Palombaro Pennapiedimonte Pescocostanzo Pizzoferrato Popoli Pratola Peligna Pretoro Rapino Rivisondoli Roccacasale Rocca Pia Roccaraso Salle Sant' Eufemia San Valentino   Serramonacesca Sulmona Taranta Peligna Tocco da Casauria NEARBY TOWNS Alanno Cepagatti Cugnoli Nocciano Pietranico Roccamontepiano Rosciano Scafa Turrivalignani

This photo came from THIS website about the town.

Rivisondoli lies in the province of L'Aquila, located at an altitude of 4000 feet on the altopiano of Mt. Calvario.  Its population is about 8000.  Archaeological evidence shows that the town and its area were occupied first by prehistoric peoples, then Italic peoples, then controlled by the Romans.  The first recorded mention of the town is in the early 12th century, but Rivisondoli clearly had a long history prior to that. During the medieval era it became a walled town, and two of the gates still survive.  The better preserved of the two is the 14th century Gate of Antonetta (see photo above, bottom row left), which provides access to the original center of Rivisondoli from the west, on via Sulmontina.  In the historic center of the town are some well-preserved ancient buildings: the baronial palazzo, with the graceful little church of Sant'Anna; some houses that conserve the medieval 'house-wall' style of architecture, in which the outer houses were joined together to form a wall against intruders; the 17th century church of Suffragio; other palazzi and houses - some 15th century, most 18th and 19th century - with stone doorways of various types.  The Church of San Nicola di Bari (above, bottom row center) contains a 16th century marble altar, and a beautiful baroque wooden altar with a statue of the Madonna and Child, both done by the local sculptor Palmerio Brasso, who died of the plague in 1656. Rivisondoli is well-known throughout the area for its fresh cheeses.  It is especially renowned for its 'presepe vivante,' or living nativity scene (photo, bottom row right).  Living nativity scenes are an Abruzzese tradition, and Rivisondoli's is the most famous.  On the 6th of January all the inhabitants take part, dressed as shepherds, the Three Kings, Roman soldiers or pilgrims, to bring the nativity scene to life.  The most sought after role is that of the Virgin Mary, and for the selection of the girl to play the part there are hard-fought contests with strict juries and long secret conclaves; the final choice is discussed for days in the town square as if it were an affair of state. The primary economic activities of Rivisondoli have been stock-raising and cheese-making.  Since the early decades of the 20th century, thanks to the development of the Sulmona - Isernia railway line, it has become a summer and winter tourist resort, noted for its skiing, and tourism thus plays a major role in the town's ecomony now.

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