1 March/marzo 2001
IL CENTRO - -
Ortona - Expansion in the centuries / Dagli scambi con l'Oriente all'espansione verso sud-ovest
, by Giovanni D'Alessandro
Great article on the history and importance of Ortona.
Through the century from the original settlement of the Frentani, it grew to the south and east, leaving the coast and moving towards the countryside. A strategic center in the Middle Ages, then a slow decadence. A strong Eastern influence in the culture, lanuage and architecture as in many Adriatic centres. In a key position between the Northern Adriatic and the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire throughout the Middle Ages, until in 1447, the harbor was destroyed by the people of Venice. Alfonso d'Aragona ordered in 1448 a massive castle to be built, while the population had moved to the newer district of Terranuova, surrounded by walls.