Info
Altitude: 254 m a.s.l
-- Distance from Pescara: 53 km
-- Population: ca. 5500 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
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Events & Festivities
- 15 August: Trout festival and Cronoscalata "Svolte di Popoli", a car race opened to all categories on a circuit 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 event for professional and amateur drivers
Hotels, Lodging, Restaurants
Genealogy, News & Link
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