Popoli
Updated April 2019
SHORT HISTORY
Italic and Roman Settlement: Evidence of a Roman settlement ‘Pagus Fabianus’ was mentioned in the Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder.
Medieval Era: Popoli was an important medieval city due to its strategic position as an intersection for trade and the Transhumanza (shepherd routes) and was known as the ‘key of the three Abruzzi’. The ruins of the Cantelmo Castle that can be seen from the main highway, are testament to Popoli’s key role in the defence system within this area.
Risorgimento (Italian Reunification): On 19 October 1860, King Vittorio Emanuele II stayed overnight in Popoli at the home of Vincenzo Galli Zugaro on his way to the famous meeting with Giuseppe Garibaldi at Teano.
WWII: The Germans occupied Popoli as part of the Gustav Line defence from 1943. On 20 January 1944, the ‘Julius Caesar’ bridge, the most important bridge in the region that connected Rome with Pescara, was bombed by the Royal Air Force. On 22 March 1944, the city center was destroyed by heavy bombing. At the same time, rations were being distributed and 91 civilians were killed. After WWII, the town received the “Silver Medal of Civil Merit” in recognition of the resilience of the civilian population in the face of reconstruction.
A SELF WALKING TOUR OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE
Start the tour at the main square Piazza della LIbertà
1. Torre Civica
18th century clocktower
2. Chiesa di San Francesco
Restored in mid 15th century, the church has a high stairway dominated by two Romanesque lions
Piazza della Libertà with clocktower (L) and San Francesco Church (R) Torre Civica (clocktower)
3. Taverna Ducale
The 14th century taverna was built by the Cantelmo family who ruled over this area until 18th century. It is one of the most important medieval buildings in Abruzzo. It was originally a store for feudal lords who would take a percentage of harvest as a tax. Later the family imposed a toll charge for people and animals, as is laid out on the stone plaque on the façade of the building. This building now houses a museum.
Taverna Ducale Plaque on Taverna outlining taxes
4. Chiesa della Santissima Trinita
The original church was built in 16th century but was badly damaged in the 1706 earthquake. The current church was rebuilt in 1734 and is built in the neoclassical style. Further restorations occurred after the 1933 earthquake. Within the church is an ancient painting that lies above the altar, dating back to 1557 depicting the Holy Trinity.
5. Chiesa di San Lorenzo – 12-14th century
The church has been inaccessible since the 2009 earthquake.
Chiesa della Santissima Trinita San Lorenzo Church on the right
6. Cantelmo Castle Walk
From San Lorenzo Church you can continue on to do the walk up to Cantelmo Castle. From San Lorenzo Church turn right and keep taking sets of stairs up through the old town. Take your time to enjoy the views over Popoli and surrounding area. There is a water fountain on the way up, near San Lorenzo church – take water from here for the journey up. After about 5 minutes of walking up stairs you will come to a dirt track with a signpost. The walk through pine forest takes about 15 minutes but the steep climb is worth it for the views and the 12th century Cantelmo Castle. Although the castle is in ruins it is undergoing restoration works and still retains its mysticism. More detailed description of the walk here
7. Cantelmo Castle
Built and rebuilt from the 10th -12th centuries. The castle was part of a defence system within the area that included Introdacqua, Capestrano, Roccacasale, Pacentro, Bugnara, and Pettorano
Start of Castle Walk On the way up – Popoli township below Cantelmo Castle
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Natural Regional Reserve – Pescara River Spring (Riserva Naturale Regionale Sorgenti del Pescara)
Popoli is known for its abundance and quality of spring water. You can do an easy walk exploring the Pescara River spring that starts at the parking lot Parcheggio Riccio.
Natural Reserve – Ra Boe / Wikipedia Natural springs in Popoli
Centro Visita del Lupo (The Wolf Visitor Centre)
The centre, run by Il Bosso Cooperative, temporarily hosts and looks after wild animals and carries out scientific research. The visit lasts 2hr 30 minutes and includes the Wolf Museum and an educational walk (1 km circa). On this walk it is possible to see a range of animals. There is also a picnic area and car park facilities. To visit the centre you must book ahead.
NOTABLE PEOPLE
Corradino D’Ascanio – The engineer who developed the first helicopter prototypes and Vespa scooter for Enrico Piaggio was born in Popoli. His home is now a dedicated museum located at Corso Antonio Gramsci 75 in the centre of Popoli. Every June, a vespa festa is held in Popoli in his honour. A plaque is dedicated to D’Ascanio at Ciampino airport (the site of the first helicopter flight).
Plaque at Ciampino airport dedicated to D’Ascanio and the first helicopter flight in 1930 Home of D’Ascanio at Corso Antionio Gramsci 75.
Foto: Rae Bo/Wikipedia
Corradino D’Ascanio also frequented the Pescara River Natural Reserve as a young boy and formulated his inventions modelled on flora and fauna using the science of biomimetics which emulates natural systems for the purpose of solving human problems. It was here that he found inspiraton for his inventions of the helicopter and vespa. As a teenager he attempted his first flight near the Reserve with wooden splints and newspapers. Corradino was also inspired by insects to create the famous Vespa (translated as the Wasp). – Source
FILM TO WATCH
Fontamara – 1986 film based on the book of the same name by Ignazio Silone – set in Abruzzo and filmed in Popoli, Pacentro, Pescina and Roccacasale.
MORE INFO
Video on Popoli (in Italian) produced by Rete8 (30mins)
Public transport – From Popoli train station, it is a 10 min walk to the historic centre.