Discovering Campli and Civitella del Tronto, an itinerary through history and culture

Not far from Controguerra is the village of Campli, a municipality that is part of the Laga mountain community. A city where art and culture, history and tradition make this municipality unique, which experienced its maximum splendor in the Middle Ages. Walking through its streets full of history and typical stone houses, you can be fascinated by the architectural monuments and churches, which both externally and internally are embellished by the masterpieces of painters and artists who met right here in Campli, such as Giotto and Raffaello . An element of great artistic and religious value that characterizes the city is the Scala Santa, renamed in this way from 1772, as there was the belief at the time that those who managed to climb the wooden steps of the staircase on their knees would obtain the plenary indulgence. For food enthusiasts it is important to know that Campli is known all over the world for its porchetta and for the festival held every last weekend of August, i.e. "The Sagra della porchetta Italica". This festival is the first festival in Abruzzo and one of the first to be organized throughout Italy. Porchetta, for those wondering, is a very tasty traditional dish which consists of piglets cooked in the oven with various aromatic spices and served in delicious sandwiches.

After having tasted a good porchetta sandwich it is time to get back on the road towards a characteristic village, Civitella del Tronto, located on a rocky cliff, this village is picturesque and unique in its kind. Also registered in the most beautiful villages in Italy such as Atri, Cvitella del Tronto is a combination of history and art, characterized by an ancient soul visible from the very structure of the village, organized in dense narrow streets, crossroads, stairways and small alleys. Speaking of small alleys, in Civitella there is the narrowest street in Italy called the "Ruetta", much loved by tourists who very often challenge each other to see who can cross the street without getting stuck. Among its ancient architectures, monuments and relics, it should be remembered the presence of a wooden sculpture, the dead Christ, kept in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Fontana degli Amanti dating back to 1863, witness of many past and present loves and famous for its romantic aura. You cannot leave the beautiful perched village without visiting the Bourbon Fortress. A work of military engineering dating back to the sixteenth century, one of the largest strongholds in Europe, inside as well as being able to visit the various rooms in common use by the soldiers of the time, the basements, the Soldier's House, the ovens, stables and prisons, we also find the Historical Museum of Weapons and Ancient Maps, guardian of ancient finds and war instruments of ancient historical value. After visiting the fortress, you can stop in the square at the entrance to Porta Napoli and enjoy unique moments of rare beauty while admiring the mountain panorama that extends throughout the territory.