province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy

Info:

Altitude: 345 m a.s.l -- Distance from Chieti: 46 km -- Population: ca. 2,500 inhabitants -- Zip code: 66040 -- Phone Area Code: 0871 -- How to reach it: A14 exit Val di Sangro, then road s.s.n. 84 from Lanciano

The place

Along the Aventino valley, 12 km from Lanciano, on a mountain crest left of the Sangro and right of the Aventino river, Altino rises along a small stream, the Rio Secco, which flows into the Adriatic a few miles away. From the small town an astoundingly rich view can be enjoyed. The fertile territory, so rich in waters, is covered of wineyards and olive trees, and in the plain there is a rich production of fruit. Nearby there is also a spring of sulphurous waters, in a place called Brecciole, which the people say has healing powers.

History:

Ancient medieaval borough, it was mentioned already in Acts of the 12th century, and was under a number of different feudal lords, such as the de Anichino, Diego de Moccicao, Alvaro de Grado, Giovanni Vincenzo Crispano, the Tovo, Furia and Paolucci families. In 1861 and 1862 was repeatedly attacked by brigands, and many families moved to Casoli and Chieti.

Sights & Excursions

Church of Madonna delle Grazie, with a fine painting on wood dated 1355 showing Our Lady.

Events & Festivities

15-16 May Feast of Madonna delle Grazie
July Historical re-enactement of threshing, with parade of rural tools of the past
26-27 Settembre Feast of SS. Cosma e Damiano

Hotels, Lodging, Restaurants

Hotel Aurora
Agriturismo "La Fonte"
Agriturismo "La Mandrelle"
Ristorante L'Edera - 3, Ctr.Scosse Altino 0872-985307
Ristorante Pizzeria Zi' Nicola Altino 0872-985368
Ristorante Pizzeria Il Jolly 78, V. Nazionale Altino 0872-985765

Genealogy, News & Links

Municipio Di Altino, 1 V. Della Madonna Altino 0872-985121
Surnames presently recorded in Altino
Francesco S. Sirolli, ALTINO - STORIA CRONACA LEGGENDA, Editrice Carabba