SANT'EGIDIO ALLA VIBRATA

province of Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy

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The place

Situated on the border with Marches in the northern part of the Val Vibrata, which takes its name from the river flowing through it, it is divided into an old part, the fortified district called Faraone Vecchia, now abandoned, one of the most ancient medieval settlements, dating back to Lombard times (VII-IX centuries), and a new modern, populous centre. In the vicinity there is a European-level kartdrome, where competitions are frequently held, and which hosts the national championship each year. Sant'Egidio is a prosperous industrial centre with factories producing jeans, shirts, confetti, furniture, etc. Its factories and markets are visited by a great number of people in search for quality and low prices.

Information:

Altitude: 237 m a.s.l -- Distance from Teramo: 29 km -- Population: ca. 8000 inhabitants -- Zip code: -- Phone Area Code: -- How to reach it: autoroute: A14 exit San Benedetto del Tronto
- bus, trains: from
- road: S.S. 81 da Teramo

History:

In the Val Vibrata there have been findings of human settlements of the Paleolitic, Neolitic and Bronze Age, as well as the Roman period. At Ripa Quarquellara an ancient prehistoric necropolis is being studied. Plinius, the famous Greek historian, says that Ilium, an Hellenic centre which was situated in the area of present Sant'Egidio, was famous for its decorators and weavers, specialists in the use of the "porpora" dye. The medieval borough rose probably around a Benedictine monastery, and was for a long time under the Bishopry of Ascoli Piceno. Until 1860 the place was a busy frontier post between the Kingdom of Naples (to which Abruzzi belonged) and the Church State. After the Second World War Sant'Egidio has undergone a remarkable commercial and industrial development, especially in the fields of textiles and confetti-making.

Sights & Excursions

Church of St.Egidio Abate, founded in the late XII century probably on a pre-existing Byzanthine church, which has now a Gothic-Romanesque structure, still clearly visible on the left side, while the facade was rebuilt in 1524 with a portal by Pretorotect Cola dell'Amatrice (the author also of the facade of San Bernardino, L'Aquila). Also very interesting is the belltower, with an 8-sided pyramid-like roof.
Faraone, an ancient borough, now abandoned, probably of Lombard origin (VI-VIII century), with an entrance door and remains of the city walls

Events & Festivities

Carnevale Sant'Egidiese, with parades of allegorical waggons and people in costumes and a prize to the best waggon.
1 May, big fair
15 August, celebrations for the Assuption, with a big fair
1 September, Feast of Patron Sant'Egidio
First decade in Settembre, Festival of typical foods
November, "Fiore d'oro" Festival of children's songs

Hotels and Lodging

Click here for HOTELS IN SANT'EGIDIO

Genealogy, News & Links

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