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Antrodoco

Antrodoco is situated where the ancient Via Salaria branched off in direction of the Piceno and Amiterno areas. In 1821 it was the scene of the first battle of the Risorgimento, between the Austrian Army and the Neapolitan troops commanded by Guglielmo Pepe.

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Population

2.570

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Area

63,9 km²

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Altitude

525 m

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Where is it?

The municipality of Antrodoco has a population of about 2,500 people and is situated 22 kms away from Rieti and rises 510 m. above sea level. After the Unity of Italy Antrodoco was part of Abruzzo region, under the jurisdiction of L'Aquila, but since 1927 it has been member of the Mountain Community of Velino.

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Its origins?

Antrodoco, the town “among the mountains”, is remembered by the classical geographer Strabo as Vicus Interocrea, in the early Middle Ages it was known as Introthoco, while at the time of Madama Margherita of Austria it was mentioned as Introducum,. The etymology of Antrodoco, clearly defines the geographical position of this town, whose balance between the agricultural resources of its alluvial Velino valley and the pastoral resources of its looming mountains has always been difficult. In the classical age is little information about Antrodoco, but during the Middle Ages, a fortress called “Rocchetta” was built in the upper part of the town, representing an impregnable and strategic outpost along Via degli Abruzzi. Subsequently, it became part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until the beginning of the Risorgimento, during which the town played a pivotal role: the battle lasted from 7 to 9 March 1821 and took place between the gorges of Antrodoco, where the Austrian and Neapolitan armies faced each other. The latter had the worst and the commander of the Austrian troops, General Frimont, received from King Ferdinand I the title of Prince of Antrodoco. In 1860, Antrodoco became part of the Kingdom of Italy and, like other zones of Southern Italy, it wasnaffected by the phenomenon of banditry. Its long history also includes some natural disasters, such as the earthquake of 1703 and the flood that swept through the village of Sant’Anna.

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What to see?

Antrodoco is characterized by a regular urban structure developed around the main square, called Piazza del Popolo, overlooked by the liberty-style Palazzo Pallini, once belonged to Nicola Pallini, the creator of the famous spirit drink known as “Mistrà”. The fountain standing at the centre of the square was made in 1975 by the local sculptor Sotero Sciubba. The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, originally dedicated to Our Lady of the People changed its name in the 1950s, after the proclamation of the Dogma of the Assumption. After the earthquake of 1997 that stroke Umbria and part of Lazio, the church was restored in various sections, and the facade was completely renewed in 2008. Close to Piazza del Popolo there is the Church of St. Clare, which reopened in 2012 after forty years of closure for restoration. Outside the historic center of the town, the Church of St. Mary Extra Moenia absolutely deserves a visit, being the most artistically relevant monument of Antrodoco. It was built in the 11th century on a previous temple devoted to the Roman goddess Diana and dedicated to Saint Severo, the town's first parish priest. Then, in 1051, it was dedicated to the Virgin by Bishop Gerardo. Inside it is worth admiring several frescoes including the Crucifixion (dating back to the late 14th century), St. Catherine of Siena (mid-15th century), St. John The Baptist (mid-15th century), and other saints. A fresco reproducing the wedding of St. Catherine of Alessandria (early 14th century) is also noteworthy. Nearby the church of St. Mary Extra Moenia, there is a hexagonal baptistery, presumably built around the third decade of the 15th century, whose interior shows a remarkable pictorial heritage, consisting of painted cycles of the 15th century. We recommend not to miss the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grotte, whose history is fascinating. In October 1601, a painted