Salle
Updated June 2021
There are two parts to Salle – Salle Vecchia (Old) and Nuova (New). Salle Vecchia was abandoned after the 1933 Maiella earthquake. Salle Nuova was built during the fascist era on lower ground.
SALLE VECCHIA
Salle Vecchia was built in the 9th century and was under the control of the nearby Abbey of San Clemente in Casauria and then the Counts of Caramanico.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Old town ruins
There are still ruins of the Salle Vecchia and some renovated stone houses just past Salle Castle. It’s an eerie place to walk around. You can go for a long walk along the main road with beautiful views of the Majella mountains and Salle Nuova and you may catch a glimpse of roe deer.
Road to Salle Vecchia Salle Vecchia ruins Salle Vecchia
Salle Castle – Castello dei Conti di Genova
The Castle dates back to 11th century and contains a civic museum with a gallery, statues and collections of weaponry and armor. Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have slept here. The castle was destroyed in the 1915 earthquake and restored in the 1970s. A small Italian garden with cypresses and olive trees is within the castle grounds. Next to the Castle is also a 15th century fountain. You can also do a walk from the Castle to River Orta.
Salle Castle gardens Inside Salle Castle 15th century fountain
SALLE NUOVA
PLACES OF INTEREST
Piazza IV Novembre (including Church of San Salvatore)
The town is based on the fascist era architecture of razionalismo (rationalism) and the littorio style –as evidenced by the large rectangular Piazza IV Novembre with street lamps and trees in straight lines, a town hall and Chiesa San Salvatore at either ends. The piazza can be viewed via a live stream webcam.
Salle town hall in Piazza IV Novembre
Photo credit: Pietro – Moto Itinerari, CC BY-SA 3.0Salle Chiesa San Salvatore
Photo Credit: Pietro – Moto Itinerari, CC BY-SA 3.0
Salle Bridge
Just outside Salle Nuova is a striking bridge set within the limestone rock and spanning over the River Orta. Construction was completed in 1955. In 1956 the inauguration was cancelled in solidarity with the miners who died in the Marcinelle Belgium accident (many were from Abruzzo),
Designed by the engineer Riccardo Morandi (who also designed the ill-fated Morandi bridge in Genoa that collapsed in 2018). At the time, Salle bridge was a marvel in engineering and an example of post-war infrastructure projects in Italy. At 100m high it is the highest bridge in Central Italy. Today the bridge is a site for bungee jumping.
Walking over the bridge you get nice views of the area and Musellaro township. There is also a path that leads down to the river with views of the bridge.
Salle Bridge
Museum Corde Amoniche
Salle is famous for its history as makers of violin strings dating back to the 17th century. Access to the museum is by appointment. Ring Salle commune on 085 928138.
Fountain
As you enter the town there is a fountain in the littorio style. It used to have the fasces symbol (fasces are a bundle of sticks featuring an axe symbolising power over life and death, originating from the Etruscans). As a commitment to rid the town of fascist symbolism, the fountain has been reconstructed and the fasces symbol is no longer there. Other fascist symbols to have been replaced are a plaque in town hall thanking Mussolini for rebuilding Salle and pro-Mussolini graffiti.
Salle fountain with fasces symbol Salle fountain after restoration without fasces symbol
NOTABLE PEOPLE
Beato Roberto da Salle – Benedictine Monk who was disciple of Pope Celestine. His remains can be found in the Church of San Salvatore. Salle holds a festa every year on 17 July, in his honour.
MORE INFO
Public transport – Salle can be reached by public bus from Torre dei Passeri train station (that connects with Pescara and Rome). Check timetables on TUA Abruzzo site