Overview
Lettopalena is a small town in the Aventino Valley, in the province of Chieti.
A small village of medieval origin, it stands in a naturalistically peculiar context. Indeed, it develops on large limestone blocks that were born from a landslide that occurred 5,000 years ago, and these "geological wounds" are still studied around the world.
The town grew around the Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria di Monteplanizio in 1020. The Benedictines were fundamental to the economic development of the village, becoming indispensable guides for its citizens. Due to little documentation, there is little certainty about the origins of this bewitching hamlet. Later evidence, following the Benedictine settlement, gives certainty that Lettopalena was the lordship of Antonio Caldora in the 15th century. He was followed by the counts of Palena, the Di Capua family, until it came under the aegis of the d'Aquino family from the 16th century. It was around 1500 that the Oppido di Lettopalena was born, leading to the construction of a high fortification, characterised by towers and high cyclopean walls, the remains of which you can still see today.
The centrepiece of the town, then, is undoubtedly the Abbey of Santa Maria in Monteplanizio. The driveway you will cross to reach this historic destination is dotted with remains and capitals, which will immerse you in this fascinating atmosphere. The striking façade is characterised by a higher central part, corresponding to the nave, ending with a pitched roof and a bell gable, and two lower side parts, corresponding to the side naves, with salient roofs. The entrance portal is central, distinguished by a stone cornice and a corbelled lintel. Inside the Abbey of Monteplanizio is preserved the painting "The Holy Family", a particularly large altarpiece painted by Oreste Recchione in 1902.
Let you be further transported to a distant and mysterious past and don’t miss the remains of the former Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, in the old town, along the Old Bridge Road. Originally from the 12th century, it was rebuilt after the 1933 earthquake. During World War II it was again destroyed. Today suggestive remains are visible, among which lush flora grows, as if to remind us that life cannot be stopped.
The village, suspended between history, mystery and faith, preserves a culinary tradition linked to the past and the land. Among the typical products of Lettopalena you will find above all the “caciocavallo”, a seasoned cheese made from cow's milk and with a characteristic bag shape. According to local tradition, cold cuts and meats are flavoured with different aromas during preparation. Traditional recipes are also enriched with spices of all kinds, such as red hot chili pepper or paprika.