Attractions and Places To See around Castiglione Messer Raimondo - Top 20

De Porta San Francesco is the most monumental and iconic city gate of the historic town of Penne, located on four hills. The gate forms the main entrance to the medieval center and is a striking example of local architecture. The gate owes its name to Francis of Assisi, who according to legend visited Penne on September 16, 1216. He came to the city at the time to establish peace between two violent, rival family clans. In memory of this historic visit, the original medieval city gate was later named after him. Although the origin of the gate is medieval, its current baroque appearance dates from 1780 (with later adjustments around 1870). The gate, to be renovated, came from the drawing board of architect Francesco Di Sio and was completely rebuilt, along with the adjacent buildings. Since then, they have formed a monumental, stylish entrance to 'the city of brick'. Bonus: if you stand in front of the gate and look closely, you will see the patron saint of Penne, San Massimo, at the top of the gate.

Cathedral with ceramic plates! On Piazza Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta will surely catch your eye immediately. If you look closely, you will see that the tower of the Gothic cathedral from 1300 is decorated with ceramic plates in various colors, which change throughout the day with the position of the sun. Incidentally, the shape of the tower, an octagon with a pyramid on top, is unique for the time when the cathedral was built. The funny thing is that you also see this reflected in other churches in Atri and in other villages and towns in Abruzzo. The story goes that the architect of the cathedral applied it here first, after which the idea was adopted by other builders. Underground church and water reservoirs Around 300 BC, on the spot where the cathedral now stands, there was a large square with baths and reservoirs underneath to store rainwater. Only then was the cathedral built on top of it, after which the reservoirs were converted into an underground church. Triggered? Want to know more, click through to https://ciaotutti.nl/reizen-door-italie/abruzzen/atri-een-levendige-stad-vol-geschiedenis/

The historic center of Atri is one of the oldest, best-preserved, and most atmospheric hilltop towns in the Abruzzo region. Situated on a hilltop, the town offers spectacular views of both the Adriatic Sea and the peaks of the Gran Sasso. As the town existed long before Roman times (then known as Hatria), you are literally walking through three thousand years of history here. Main attractions: Piazza Duomo & the Cathedral: the central heart of the town. Besides the imposing Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta with its famous frescoes, you'll find cozy cafes and historic palazzi here. Palazzo Ducale (Palazzo Acquaviva): this robust 14th-century palace on Piazza Duca d'Acquaviva was the seat of the powerful Dukes of Atri. Today, it partly serves as the town hall. Be sure to take a look at the beautiful courtyard. Teatro Comunale: located opposite the Palazzo Ducale. This 19th-century theater is horseshoe-shaped inside and is also called the "Little Scala of Abruzzo" due to its perfect acoustics and lavish decorations. The Roman Cisterns: beneath the historic center lies a vast network of underground passages, Roman mosaics, and water storage facilities dating back to antiquity. Chiese Storiche: walking through the narrow streets, you'll encounter beautiful old churches, such as the Chiesa di San Francesco with its impressive baroque external staircase and the Chiesa di San Domenico.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Atri) is one of the most important and impressive religious monuments in the Abruzzo region. This co-cathedral was built between 1260 and 1305 on the foundations of an older Romanesque church and even older Roman baths. Daily open in the morning from 09:00 - 12:30.

The cathedral was built between 1260 and 1305 on the foundations of an older Romanesque church and even older Roman baths. Visits are possible at the following times: every morning: 09:00 - 12:30.

The Cathedral of Atri represents one of the most beautiful churches in the Province of Teramo and Abruzzo. The symbol of the town is located in the homonymous Piazza Duomo in front of the Municipal Theatre.

Atri and its gullies

The rectangular facade of the church features a Romanesque portal with a beautiful rose window, while on the right side there are three other portals. The Romanesque bell tower with a cusped lantern dominates the cathedral and the nearby hills.