A Pleasant Town in Abruzzo Italy
. Frondarola is a small village of about 200 people located in the Abruzzo Region of Italy. It lies at an altitude of 1502 feet above sea level and is located about five miles from Teramo, the capital city of the province of Teramo. Frondarola is a frazione (suburb or surrounding village) of the commune of Teramo.
Frondarola is located just off the state highway leading from Teramo to Montorio al Vomano. About four miles from Teramo there lies a junction with one small road leading to Frondarola and, in the other direction, a small road leading to Valle San Giovanni.
Frondarola takes its name from the Latin furnus arola, that is, land belonging the family Furnus. Archeological evidence points to the existence of Frondarola in the pre-Roman era. The earliest known public document referencing the town is found in an act in which Count Trasmondo di Sifredo donates the Castle of Fornarolo to the church “Aprutina” in the year 1076. Approximately 10 years later Count Teutone di Ranieri mentions the passing of this donation to Ugone, Bishop of Teramo. Following its destruction 1156 by the Loretello’s mercenary troops, the noblemen living in Frondarola fled to the surrounding countryside and villas. Later the Melatini family took possession of the land and became the most important feudal leaders of the area. The family built an imposing fortress in Frondarola, only fragments of which remain at this time.
The village is located at the watershed of the Tordino and Vomano valleys. Looking out from Frondarola one can see the peaks of the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga mountains, as well as the hills of the Pescara and Ascoli Piceno areas of Abruzzo. Its dominant position gives Frondarola visibility and a distinctive atmosphere amongst ambiance characteristic of the Aprutino hill country in Abruzzo.
The town is known for its church, San Salvatore. The first mention of this church was in documents dating back to the 14th century. The church is best known for its three main alters. One is dedicated to the Madonna of the Rosary. It boasts both a 17th century tapestry of the Virgin Mother and a statue of San Gabriele of the Sorrows. A second alter aslo honor Saint Gabriele and has a beautiful statue of Saint Rita as well. The main alter contains a large canvas with an oil painting depicting Jesus, Mary, and Saint Anthony. It has been restored several times.
Frondarola sits at a strategic position geographically. Running east to west is a sheep herding trail, (a “tratturo”) extending from the plain of Rosetto to the village of Crognaleto which can be found at a much high elevation close to the Gran Sasso peak. Directly to the west of Frondarola is a range of hills known as Colle dell’Asino (literally “hills of the donkey”). From the tratturo at the top of these hills one can see the Gran Sasso as well as Monti della Laga mountain rainge. The trail passes by the village of Valle San Giovanni.
In 1958 a procession of the Dead Christ was begun. It is celebrated annually
In the commune of Teramo there are two sulfer springs. One, forming a ditch called “Sullo”, is located near Frondarola. The second, forming a ditch call Appuzonito, lies closer to Spiano. An analysis of the springs yield a hydrosulphuric acid solution, calcium sulfate, calcium bicarbonate, and trace amounts of iron.
Frondarola has an official website.
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Tags: Basicano, Cavuccio, Crognaleto, frondarola, miano, montorio, rapino, Spiano
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stefanaccio