Guardiagrele, Medieval commune in Province of Chieti, Italy
Guardiagrele is a commune in the Province of Chieti built on a hillside with thick stone walls and narrow winding lanes. The medieval fortifications rise above the older settlement, creating layers of different construction periods visible as you move through the town.
The settlement began as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century, later fortified by Lombard rulers who built a defensive citadel above it. The traces of these two periods of construction remain visible in the town's layout and defensive structures.
The town is known for its metalworking craft, where artisans work with gold, copper, and iron using methods passed down through generations. Walking through the streets, you can see workshops where these craftspeople practice their trade in the traditional way.
The town is best explored on foot since the narrow streets make vehicle travel impractical and the ground is steep and uneven throughout. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential as you will be walking on old stone surfaces with significant elevation changes.
Excavations near the hamlet of Comino uncovered an ancient warrior burial with a decorated bronze sword and other artifacts dating back thousands of years. These findings show that the area was inhabited long before the monastery was established.
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