Premium Featured Accommodation

Information about Spinetoli in the Province of Ascoli Piceno

Spinetoli lies on a pleasant hill at the confluence of the Fiobbo torrent and the Tronto River. Archeological diggings made in 1878 brought to light several rich Piceno necropolis and finds from the Roman period. The place-name appears to be linked to the nature surrounding the residential area of the village, which centuries ago was covered by thick, blooming, thorny rose bushes (a rose also appears on the Communal herald symbol). The residential area of Pagliare del Tronto, district of Spinetoli since the unification of Italy, was created in the XVIIth century when the "communità delle Pagliare di Pantorano" settled in Monte Vecchio castle. Its name-place refers to a group of straw and clay houses that were built towards the end of the year 1000 to house the servants of the serfs. Specimens of such houses were visible until approximately a decade ago.

The sad tale about a local nobleman is still told today, and claims as follows: Captain Giacinto Centini was accused of having conspired against the newly elected Pope Bonifacio VIII, in his villa in Spinetoli, aided by three necromantic monks. He was detected as the culprit and was beheaded in 1635 while the monks involved were burnt alive at the public square of Campo dei Fiori in Rome.

Of the old castle there are remains of long pieces of the surrounding walls (cinta muraria). The oldest entrance, facing south, dates back to the XIVth century and boasts an acute arch and a coat of arms bearing a lion. Next to the northern door stands the Civic Tower (Torre civica), once a defence building and remodeled and adapted to serve as a belfry. In the old town centre stands the Madonna delle Grazie Church, built in 1759 over a votive shrine.

Among the famous men born in Spinetoli, we must mention Costanzo Mazzoni (1823-1885), Surgeon, Professor and renowned scholar, who worked many years for the Vatican State. The hospital of Ascoli Piceno is dedicated to his memory.

Spinetoli does not forget its agricultural past, which is revived, on the second Sunday of every September, during a festival dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, with a parade of grape carts (sfilata dei carri dell'uva).

Articles