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Present-day Taranta Peligna arose in the medieval era, when a castle - probably defensive - was built there, and a village grew around it. It was then known only as Taranta and did not take the name Taranta Peligna until after the unification of Italy in 1865. Under the feudal system the town belonged to a series of noble families over the centuries, including that of Niccolo di Acciano in the 14th century, the Caldora family and then the Malvezzi family in the 15th century, and in the 18th century the Angio, Acciano and Portella families and finally the Aquino family, which possessed the town until the fuedal system was abolished in the first decade of the 19th century.
Taranta Peligna was a wool manufacturing center from as early as the 13th century. Fulling mills were set up along the Aventino river by the monks of the monastery of San Biagio. The nearby grazing grounds for sheep on the Maiella mountains guaranteed a source of top quality wool for cloth production. In the 16th century, Abruzzese woolen products were the most sought-after in Europe, and the 'taranta' fabric produced at Taranta Peligna was among the most-prized of the Abruzzese fabric. The fabric, with its characteristic patterns and colors, is still produced there today (photo bottom right).
The town was partially destroyed by the earthquake of 1933, and was virtually razed to the ground during WWII. Nevertheless, it has not completely lost its medieval aspect, owing to the survival of a few of the churches and old houses. In the center of the town are the ruins of the 15th century church of San Biagio, protector of the wool-workers. Built in the late romanesque style, all that remains is part of the facade, with the great portal surrounded by a wooden casing on which are carved the figures of San Biagio, San Rocco, and busts of other saints and angels. On the left side of the church ruins stand two stories of its once-imposing bell tower, built of huge blocks of stone between 1564 and 1616 (see photo of ruins and belltower, top right).
Also of interest is the 17th century parish church of San Nicola, with its original and fascinating baroque facade (see photo bottom left). In the church of SS Trinita (see photo bottom center) there is a painted wooden crucifix attributed to Antoniazzo Romano, a notable painter of the late 15th century, as well as18th century Neapolitan-school paintings and a life-sized painting of the four evangelists.
The area in which the town is located, the Aventino River valley, is noted for its natural beauty. The Abruzzese poet Gabriele d'Annunzio sang its praises. From springtime the fields are covered with poppies, the mountainsides with alpine star flowers, and the broad river offers lovely walks along its banks. Many species of birds make their home here, and one section of the river has been preserved as parkland - Parco Fluviale delle Acquevive. Not far from the town and worth a visit is the Grotta del Cavallone, a large cave system containing fantastic stalagmites and stalactites.
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