 The place
This ancient centre of the Peligni rises near the gorges of the Pescara river, below Mount Morrone, a little distance away from the junction of the Aterno and the Pescara rivers. Partly lying on the plain, partly on the hillside, offers in its territory many natural resources and is the starting point for fascinating excursions. The oldest part of the village is situated just below the Cantelmo castle, in the north-east. Nowadays it is an important industrial centre, and the springs of the Pescara offer a wonderfully clear and healthy waters, used also to make beer and mineral water, as well as in the healing of rheumatic pains.
Information: Altitude: 254 m a.s.l
-- Distance from Pescara: 53 km
-- Population: ca. 5800 inhabitants
-- Zip code: 65010
-- Phone Area Code: 085
-- How to reach it: road: s.n. 5 Tiburtina
motorway: A25 exit Bussi
History:
 The history of this large centre has always been dependent on its strategic position along main communications routes in the region from the Adriatic coasts of Abruzzi to Naples along the so-called "Via degli Abruzzi".
Originally called Castrum Properi, name recorded since 1016, when it was the property of Girardo, son of Roccone. Charles of Anjou in the latter part of the XIII century entrusted Popoli and its territory to the Cantelmos. In those years the centre was fortified thanks to the bishopry of Valva, and became an important strategic centre at the entrance of the Tremonti gorges. Among its powerful lords after the Cantelmo there were the Tocco from Montemiletto.
Sights & Excursions
Taverna Ducale and Palazzo Ducale (XIV century), one of the most important medieval buildings in Abruzzo, with its remarkable facade full of emblems and decorations
Church of San Francesco, rebuilt in the XV century, which stores a wooden crucifix and an altar in Castelli ceramics
Church of Saints Lorenzo and Biagio, with a small church nearby called Santissima Trinità
Monastery of san Domenico (now the seat of the Town Hall), of the XVIII century, in an "extra moenia" position
Riserva Naturale Sorgenti del Pescara
Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Rotondo
Events & Festivities
15 August: Trout festival and Cronoscalata "Svolte di Popoli" (car race opened to all categories from the plains of Popoli to the top of a 10 km winding road leading up to the mountain, which every year is a popular destination for all professionals and amateurs)
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