The
town of Celano is dominated by the Castello Piccolomini
(4 crenellated towers — what you think of when you
think of a castle — trust me). It is a renaissance castle/fortress
that has been rebuilt a few times (it dates back actually to
Roman times). The castle is in great condition and has a lovely
courtyard. The Museo d’Arte Sacra della Marsica
is now housed in the castello. The Collegiata di San Giovanni
(14th century church) and the Santa Maria di Valle
Verde should be checked out if you have time. You should
really drive (or hike….) through the area of the Gorges
of Celano (gole) — steep, craggy, mysterious —
beautiful.
The
castle in Gagliano Aterno is beautiful (14th
century) — and while it is a castle, it looks more like a
series of stone palazzi connected — still very beautiful…..loggias,
courtyards, porches — elegant…..encircled by walls (doubly
fortified) and a drawbridge in between (and moat of course). This
is very unique architecture to be sure. The San Martino church
(13th century) has a lovely façade and portal.
The Baroque interior of the Chiesa di Santa Chiara (and
convent) are also worth a visit. Check out the Colonna
Piccolomini too.
Castel
di Ieri is a chaming village in a valley (and hills) of Abruzzo.
I’m always interested in how this village got its name (Yesterday’s
Castle) — what does that mean? I’ve been told it has
nothing to do with yesterday and more likely has to do with a
family name. It is a picturesque village (very fashionable) dominated
by a 14th century tower/fortification. The Chiesa
di Santa Maria dell’Assunta (16th century)
has a Renaissance portal and some lovely religious artifacts inside.
You’ll enjoy the stroll through the old streets and piazzas.