Provinces of Abruzzo: Chieti
The town lies 330 m. above sea level, on a hilly ridge between the valleys of the Pescara and Alento rivers.
A centre of the Marucini, an ancient Italic people, with the name of 'Teate' it submitted to Roman rule after the Social War (90 BC.), becoming very important during Imperial times. Of that period, the orthogonal structure of the Civitella district can still be seen together with many remains. Chieti was destroyed during the Barbaric invasions and re-founded by Theodoric, subsequently (6th century) becoming part of the Lombard Duchy of Benevento. In 1140, it was conquered by the Normans, from then on following the fortunes of the Kingdom of Naples until unification with Italy in 1860. The 'Teatini' religious order takes its name from that of the ancient town.
Monuments: Cathedral (dating back to 9th century, altered many times) with adjoining bell-tower (14th-15th century), remains of the Roman theatre (2nd century BC.), Complesso Templare of Tempietti Romani (Roman temples, 1st century AD.), church of San Francesco della Scarpa (built in 13th century, altered in Baroque style), church of San Domenico (17th century, Baroque), church of San Giovanni dei Cappuccini (16th-18th century, inside an altar-piece by Veronese).
The town's economy, traditionally based on activities linked to agriculture and crafts (wrought iron, ceramics, fabrics and lace) has in recent decades undergone remarkable industrial development related to the industrialized zone in the Pescara River valley. Today the engineering, foodstuffs, textile, paper and building materials sectors are particularly important, as are also financial, cultural and administrative activities.
Events: Processione del Venerdì Santo (Good Friday Procession).
Famous People: Niccolò Toppi (historian, 1607-1681), Nicola de Laurentiis (artist, 1783-1832), Giovanni Chiarini (explorer, 1849-1879) and Costantino Barbella (sculptor, 1852-1925).
Cultural Institutions: Archivio di Stato (State archives), University, Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra (museum), Pinacoteca C. Barbella (Art Gallery), Museo Nazionale d'Antichità (museum with archaeological, prehistorical and proto-historical sections) and Accademia Teatina per le Scienze (science academy).
In the Province: Francavilla al Mare (seaside resort), Vasto (seaside tourism), Lanciano (industrial centre and environmental interest), Ortona (M. Cascella Art Gallery), San Salvo (glass industry), Tollo (Festa dei Turchi, first Sunday in August) and Bucchianico (Sagra dei Banderesi, May).
|