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
There is evidence that a Roman settlement existed here, but the present-day town originated in the medieval era. Its location on a cliff and the distribution of its buildings in a concentric circle, so as to form a protective wall, is typical of the ancient 'castrum' or fortified settlement. The first record of the town is from the year 1000AD, when it was known as Turri; it became Turrivalignani only in 1807, when it was so-named for the Valignani family, the last feudal nobility to possess the town.
It is an agricultural town, raising primarily grapes and olives. Behind and to the right of the parish church (photo top right) which is located in the main square, is a belvedere with a breathtaking view of the valley below, including the town of Scafa and the narrow road which winds its way up the cliff to Turrivalignani itself (photo bottom left).
Just above the belvedere is a monument to those lost in World Wars I and II. (See bottom right photo) You can click on the above photo to view a larger version on which you will be able to read the names.
About a half-mile to the east of the town is the cemetery and its 12th century church of Saints Giovanni and Vincenzo, set in an area of olive groves with a beautiful panoramic view. This church is a little treasure because it is built in pure Romanesque style. The interior of the church has three naves, separated by pillars, columns and arches of unequal size, which is unusual. The presbytery, raised over the crypt beneath - which is of the same age as the altar - precedes a narrow semicircular apse.
In November each year the Turessi, as the people of the town are called, celebrate a Festa del Ringraziamento - a Feast of Thanks - which features a procession in typical Abruzzese costumes. The feast of S. Vincenzo is held the first Sunday after Easter. In May there is the Sagra delle Fave - the Fava Bean ('horse bean') Festival, and in early September is the the Festa dell'Emigrante - the Feast of the Emigrants.
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