|
| |
|
 Introduction
Arrival Plane
There are many flight connections to the relatively near Avezzano airport. Bus connections from there to Celano are fast and frequent. Driving takes about thirty minutes.
Train
By train, Celano can best be reached by taking the Roma-Pescara line.
Car
Celano is approximately a one hour drive from Rome, take the A25 motorway and use the exit for Aielli-Celano.
Bus
Bus connections directly to Celano from all larger surrounding cities are available.
History and Culture
Fearing the region's growing strength, Emperor Frederick II ordered his army to destroy the castles of this region in the 12th century. Celano suffered a long siege which ended with its devastating defeat, the total destruction of the town, and the exile of its inhabitants to Sicily and Malta. The exiles were eventually allowed to return however, and the new city was rebuilt about one kilometer away from the ruins of the old city. Celano then enjoyed a long and flourishing period until it was subdued by the Kingdom of Naples under whose rule it remained until becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Churches and Museums
The solid and plain façade of the Church of St. John the Baptist, built in the 13th century using regularly arranged, square cut local stones, invites the visitor inside where one can enjoy the beautiful Romanesque portal, the Gothic rose-window, and the intricate Madonna with Baby Jesus fresco. The church's precious elder doors are carved with various religious images and feudal coats-of-arms. Other interesting works include an 18th century wooden choir, a gilded wooden baptismal basin, and the altar containing the three Martyr Saints' urn.
Chiesa di S. Angelo
Originally known as the Church of St. Michael Archangel, the Church of St. Angel stands directly adjacent to Castle Piccolomini. Although the church's architectural structure is quite simple, its portal and blind rose-window are framed in a vivid ornamental decoration of radial leaves. The base of the portal depicts two lions in pink marble and its capitals are decorated with depictions of ornate golden leaves. A stone statue representing St. Michael with his sword greets the church's guests as they enter the baroque interior which is filled with an interesting collection of marble altars.
Chiesa di S. Francesco
Founded in 1345, the Church of St. Francis boasts a splayed Romanesque portal made of multicolored marble and a series of ornate arches which decorate the building's upper section. The beautiful baroque interior includes a well-loved Virgin Mary fresco located above the lunette.
Chiesa di S. Maria Valleverde
Built in 1504 by authorization of Pope Julius II, the Church of Santa Maria Valleverde boasts an archivolt which is embellished with vine shoot decorations and an ornate crowning which is divided by a portal in Romanesque style. The interior houses three chapels decorated with impressive frescos and two massive altarpieces dating back to the 14th century.
Museum of Sacred Art of the Marsica
Located within Castle Piccolomini, the museum is made up of a dozen large rooms which are divided into the various art-relevant sections. Everything from stone and wood sculpture to wall and canvas painting is represented. An interesting collection of beautiful works of gold and sacred vestments are also on display. The age of these works of art range from the 6th to the 19th centuries.
Historical buildings and monuments
Begun in the 14th century by Count Pietro Berardi and finished by Antonio Piccolomini in 1451, the imposing Castle Piccolomini dominates the top of Celano's San Vittorino's hill. The castle was seriously damaged by a massive earthquake in 1915 which also destroyed many villages in the area, the complete restoration of which was not finished until 1960. Today the castle is home to the Museum of Sacred Art of the Marsica.
Places of Interest
A 5 km-long canyon created by erosion caused by the Foce river, the nearby Gole di Celano is a popular location for tourists and hikers alike. The majestic rock walls of the narrow canyon are only a few meters apart at certain points. A beautiful and rugged natural area, a group of bears is also said to live in the vicinity.
Events
This annual procession takes place in honor of Saint Anthony, bonfires are lit in the town square.
Links
City information
Abruzzo Region
Transport
Transport
|
| |
|
Home 
Celano Travel Guide
Apartment - From 80€