The Rossetti Theater in Vasto is the second-oldest theater in Abruzzo, following the Marrucino Theater in Chieti. It was inaugurated on May 30, 1819, originally named the Royal Bourbon Theater, and was built on the ruins of the former Church of Santo Spirito, which was part of the disbanded Celestine convent. Designed by engineer Taddeo…
The name Genova Rulli evokes a deep sense of nostalgia among older generations in Vasto, recalling values of a bygone era. This sentiment stems from the legacy of Cavalier Luigi Genova Rulli, a President of the Court of Appeal, who passed away in 1941 at the age of 95 without heirs. As the last representative…
The relics of San Teodoro the Martyr, now displayed in a case within the Church of Carmine, arrived in Vasto on December 4, 1751, in a solemn procession. They were a gift to the city from Marquis Diego II d’Avalos. The remains of the saint, who was acclaimed as the new patron saint by the…
The D’Avalos family, likely of Visigothic origin, arrived in Italy as part of Alfonso I of Aragon’s entourage. They distinguished themselves through military prowess, diplomatic skill, and loyalty to the Crown—qualities that ensured they maintained a prominent role in both Italian and European politics of the time. The brothers Innico, Alfonso, and Rodrigo, sons of…
The Church of San Pietro in Vasto, although no longer existing today, having been demolished after a landslide in 1956, represents a fundamental chapter in the religious and cultural history of the city. Its story, full of events and changes, is closely intertwined with the events of Vasto and its noble families. Its origins are…
The bell tower of Santa Maria Maggiore is the tallest tower in the city, clearly visible even from kilometers away if you look at Vasto from the south. The bell tower has a quadrangular section and is divided into three sections which refer to different moments of construction. The base of the bell tower of…
The Archaeological Museum is the oldest in Abruzzo, founded in 1849 as the Municipal Archaeological Cabinet of Vasto, by the local doctor and historian, Luigi Marchesani. His intent was to collect the finds made available by some historic families of the city, together with those that he himself collected and catalogued, on the occasion of…
Nestled just off the beaten path, this small and quiet square is a hidden gem in the rich tapestry of Vasto’s history. Piazza Caprioli owes its name to the renowned jurist Virgilio Caprioli, born in 1548 in the family home at the corner of Via Barbarotta. Caprioli’s legacy endures, not only for his historical studies…
The Caldoresco Castle in Vasto is one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks. With its imposing silhouette standing out against the sky, it has symbolized power and strength for centuries. The current structure, with its eclectic and composite forms, serves as a living testament to the city’s rich history. By observing it closely, one…
Originally named “Corso del Littorio,” later “Corso Nuova Italia,” and finally renamed “Corso Italia,” this elegant boulevard was created in the early 1930s as a modern promenade connecting Piazza Gabriele Rossetti to the newly built Villa Comunale, located 500 meters further south at the Piana dell’Aragona. The first section, overlooking Piazza Rossetti, has recently undergone…