In Santa Maria Maggiore, traces of the past dating back to the early centuries of Christianity are visible, representing the oldest core of the medieval city. This area was once part of the “castellum,” the nucleus of urban revival after the depopulation following the Gothic War in the sixth century. By 427, a church dedicated…
Born in Vasto in 1860, to a wealthy family of merchants, Luigi Anelli demonstrated his witty streak very early on, founding his first newspaper at just 18 years old. At 25, he published the first edition of his “Ricordi di Storia Vastese” in Naples. Having returned to his hometown, at the age of 35 he…
Luigi Marchesani was born in Vasto in 1802. Son of a notary, he graduated in medicine in Naples, where he practiced until 1837, distinguishing himself as a teacher and researcher, and publishing numerous essays. In 1842, he founded the Vasto hospital, where he worked as surgeon and director. Always passionate about homeland history, in 1841…
The Roman Amphitheater of Vasto, located in the heart of the city under Piazza Rossetti, represents one of the most important archaeological remains in Abruzzo. Although it is not completely visible due to subsequent urban stratifications, its presence is still tangible, and tells a fascinating piece of Roman history. Dating back to the end of…
The square next to the apse of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, from which a spectacular staircase leads down to the door of Santa Maria, today known as “Porta Catena”, is called Piazza del Tomolo. The name comes from an ancient commercial measurement, corresponding to the amount of grain needed to sow a tomolo…
At the top of the Tre Segni hill, at the end of what is now the century-old Villa Comunale, stands a small church overlooking the sea. This is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, modest in size and located far from the historic town center, under the religious jurisdiction of Santa Maria Maggiore. Yet, despite…
