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Castel del Monte is one of the highest towns in Abruzzo, situated at the heart of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso, and has a tiny population that multiplies 10-fold during the summer months when ex-residents come back to visit, or tourists stop in to see the beauty of the mountainous area.
castel-del-monte_middle.jpg Province: L'Aquila (AQ)
Altitude: 1346 m above sea level
Population: 500 (approx.)
Zip code: 67023
City hall phone number: 0862 938137
Official city website: Not found

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
The town of Castel del Monte was constructed in medieval times on a site once inhabited by pre-Roman populations. The town first appeared on historical maps in the 13th century. It passed through the power of several families, including the Acquaviva, the Piccolomini and the Medici of Florence. In more recent history, it was the parting point for many herds of sheep on their yearly transhumance (Transumanza) journeys to Puglia and back.


WHAT TO SEE:

  • Campo Imperatore (going from Castel del Monte up toward the Gran Sasso), known as "Mons Cumaris" in Roman times, where Benito Mussolini was in hiding at Hotel Duca D'Aosta before being found and hung by the Italian people.
  • The castle and it's bell tower
  • San Rocco church
  • San Marco church
  • Madonna del Suffragio church

FESTIVALS:

  • Last Sunday of February - cross-country skiing events in Campo Imperatore
  • Mid-August - Bocce tournament
  • 6-7 August - Patron Saint Festival: San Donato

NEARBY TOWNS:

  • Santo Stefano di Sessanio
  • Ofena
  • Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi
  • Navelli

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