Overview
In the province of Teramo, you feel eyes on you while driving through the Fino River valley.
It is the gaze of a small village with a big name: Castiglione Messer Raimondo.
Perched on a hill, with centuries-old control of the river, the village stands on an ancient settlement that was first inhabited by the Vestini – the Italic population that frequented this area of Abruzzo – and then by the Romans.
Come and visit it to complete the puzzle of your knowledge of the Teramo province.
Its churches are beautiful. These include the church of Santa Maria – built on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Diana – and the Latin-cross parish church of San Donato, which houses the remains of the saint inside and a precious processional cross – the work of skilled goldsmiths from Sulmona – dating back to the 15th century made of silver foil and enamelled gilded copper.
If you are in the mood for exploratory walks, head for Colle San Giorgio. Here, the view opens out over the peaks of the Gran Sasso turning towards the beaches of the Teramo coastline and “bathing” in the Adriatic. The original inhabitants probably lived on this hill with their dwellings and religious monuments. The ruins of an Italic temple have been indeed brought to light with various finds, such as pieces of mosaic, decorated slabs, fibulae and coins.
A child's tomb dating back to the 5th century B.C. was discovered in the Piani area, while in the Appignano area was found a woman's tomb with a bronze trousseau dating back to the 6th century B.C.
We recommend a visit to the latter hamlet. Charming and quiet, Appignano boasts typical 15th-century medieval features such as the houses set in stone, the square tower with stone ashlar masonry – probably of Lombard origin and absorbed into the Palazzo Pensieri built in the 18th century on the remains of the castle – and the church of the Madonna del Carmine, erected at the behest of the local inhabitants.
Are you still feel like exploring before you sit down to eat?
Close to the valley floor, on the road that runs towards Bisenti, reach the ruins of the Convent of St Francis of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, which was part of the “Custodia Pennese”. According to tradition, the monument was founded by St Francis, who was over there in 1215 to settle a dispute arisen between local feudal lords at Isola del Gran Sasso.
The typical “scippale 'busse”, the timbale with “crespelle” and the “maccheroni alla chitarra” are waiting for you as first courses, followed by excellent meat and fine cheeses.
Make sure you save room for “arrosticini”.