Lu pianellese In Manoppello

20/10/2024: incredible castle in Cepagatti (capital)

25/06/2024: I came to Cepagatti during my summer holidays, specifically to visit this splendid work. I had already browsed through some photos, but obviously being able to see it in person was a much greater emotion. It is an ancient building, built on the remains of an important Roman villa, which was built and modified in several periods, from 1600 to 1800. What is immediately striking is first of all the extraordinary level of conservation of each architectural element: the body central part of the castle, the dominant tower and the adjacent chapel as well as the arches, the characteristic battlements and the balconies. An unmistakable distinctive sign of this building, although not very relevant from an artistic point of view, is the decoration in the upper part, made with sequential circles of different colours. Passing in front of the facade and going around the ancient complex, it seems to be in the period of greatest splendor of the town, well represented by the numerous murals on the walls of the surrounding houses. Probably few know this beautiful village and unfortunately having little consideration for a town that does not possess a high number of historical elements is a sadly common curse and many truly magnificent places risk often being overshadowed; this is why we must have particular admiration for those who possess the patience and dedication in valorising these precious historical-cultural heritages. Given the notable proximity (the people of Pescara don't mind me, given the well-known archaic rivalry...), you can also consider visiting Chieti, a city rich in history. I only have one modest negative consideration to make: unfortunately some trees severely limit the view of the castle, right on the side of the main facade and it would therefore be appropriate to remove them or at least prune them radically (thousands of them are cut down, everywhere and for no reason and wanting to leave these right here in front intact would not be ideal). I hope to be able to visit this magnificent building also inside, which is not yet possible at the moment but overall I was very satisfied with this discovery.