The best walks and hikes around Cellino Attanasio

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (the Duomo of 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. Open daily in the morning from 09:00 - 12:30

The artwork you can admire here depicts the lighting of the 'Faugni' fire by a community of anthropomorphic figures. These are based on animals typical of the Abruzzo region. The costumes feature textures inspired by the culture and art of Atri, particularly the frescoes by De Litio in the cathedral of Atri. Source: information can be read on site.

San Nicola is one of the oldest churches in Atri and dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you can admire a beautiful 15th-century fresco by Andrea de Litio above the baptismal font. Outside, be sure to notice the colourful ceramic tiles from Castelli above the rose window – a typical and unique detail of Atri's architecture. Source: https://www.comune.atri.te.it/it/vivere/la-chiesa-di-s-nicola

Who was Francesco Martella? Martella was born on January 21, 1898, in Atri as a craftsman shoemaker. : Due to his anti-fascist ideas, he fled to France, where he joined the resistance movement Giustizia e Libertà. In 1936, he fought as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War against fascism. : After his arrest by the French Vichy regime, he was extradited to Italy and exiled to the prison island of Ventotene. After the Italian armistice in September 1943, he immediately joined the armed resistance (i partigiani). : On November 17, 1943, Martella was brutally murdered in his hometown of Atri by Nazi fascists. About the monument: The memorial is a three-meter-high bronze statue symbolizing the fight against oppression. The artwork was designed and created by the artist Ireneo Janni, originally from Atri. The monument was unveiled in 1983, exactly 40 years after Martella's murder.

The Church of Santo Spirito in Atri, located on the edge of the historic center near the old city fortress Rocca di Capo d'Atri, is a hidden gem. Locals know the building better as the Santuario di Santa Rita. It is one of the most important spiritual and devotional centers in the region. The church's origins date back to the 12th or 13th century. In the early period, nuns from Santa Maria Maddalena and monks from various orders (including Franciscans and Augustinians) served there successively. In the 17th century, the complex was transferred to Augustinian nuns. They introduced the fervent devotion to Santa Rita of Cascia (the saint of impossible causes), which forever changed the church's identity. Its current appearance is the result of a major renovation in the first half of the 18th century, during which the interior was transformed into an elegant Baroque style. A fun fact when you stand in front of the place of worship: the beautiful limestone Renaissance portal dates from 1586. This portal originally belonged to the demolished Church of Sant'Antonio and was only placed on the facade of Santo Spirito in 1833. Definitely worth a visit.

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/

In Atri, the Chiesa di San Francesco and the underlying Grotto of Mary (a reproduction of the Grotta de Massabielle from Lourdes) together form one beautiful architectural whole. The grotto is indeed built directly under the monumental baroque entrance staircase of the church. The Grotto of Mary (Grotta di Lourdes): Under the imposing double open staircase of the church, there are three arches. In this niche (or oratory), Franciscan monks created a detailed replica of the Lourdes grotto in 1936, including a devotional statue of the Virgin Mary. Local residents traditionally throw coins into the water for luck and make the sign of the cross when they pass by. Chiesa di San Francesco: This is an official national monument and historically the very first church in the Abruzzo region dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi (dating from 1296, later rebuilt in baroque style in the 18th century). The exterior is striking with its theatrical staircase with stone balustrades. In the bell tower hangs, moreover, the oldest church bell in Abruzzo (from 1265). Definitely worth a visit.

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.