Castelbasso is the oldest centre that, according to the Chronicon Casauriense, was founded in the 11th century by erecting a castle and a church; in the 15th century it was enlarged following the criteria of defence against ranged weapons.
The city walls, with the gates that can still be admired, also date back to this period: Porta sud, built in Renaissance style in brick and rough-hewn stone, with two arches placed one above the other, and decorated with battlements on the top, and Porta est, also known as Porta della Marina, consisting of a defensive tower with a round arch, visible from inside the walls.
We suggest that you visit the centre during its renowned Castelbasso Festival, an annual event organised by the Malvina Menegaz Foundation between July and August, which aims to redevelop the territory and social fabric through art and culture. The Festival follows precisely this spirit of fusion between culture and territorial context, hosting national names that will delight you with music, literature and art.
Castellalto, developed in the 19th century, will offer you an unforgettable view. Its strategic, elevated position leaves room for the gaze, which from the Belvedere will be free to wander over the wonders that surround it.
On your walk through the upper town, you should definitely stop at the parish Church of St John the Evangelist, originally built by the Normans, then rebuilt in the 16th century and, again, restored in the 18th century in Baroque style. You enter the church through a side stone portal, dated 1584, surmounted by a round tympanum in a rectangular frame. The interior has a single nave and is rich in parchment yellow stucco. In the chancel, on the wall facing the altar, is a pipe organ.
After your stroll, sit down and enjoy one of the many typical dishes of the Teramo cooking. We recommend “li granitt”, a poor peasant dish that comes from the skilful movement of expert hands which, from simple flour mixed with water, added little by little sprinkling, are able to make coarse grains of pasta, similar to maize grains. They can be served with sauce, with sausage… but the tastiest recipe is undoubtedly the one with broad beans and guanciale: try it!
