Atri
One of the most ancient towns of Abruzzi
- Trail Conditions: On foot
- Interest: Religion, Hystory
Atri, situated at six miles from the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most ancient towns of Abruzzi. The importance of this town in the Roman period is demonstrated by the several rests of monuments characterizing it.
Visiting its town center means hearing voices and sounds of history. From the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta you can admire in the main square. The church houses the Coro dei Canonici (Choir of the Canons), whose walls are decorated with the famous painting cycle of "The Life of Mary and Jesus", considered not only Andrea De Litio's great masterpiece (1465-1471), but also the most important painting of the early Renaissance period in Abruzzi.
The Municipal Theater, situated in Piazza Duomo in front of the Cathedral, planned by the architect Consorti and inaugurated on 25th January 1881, recalls the outdoor structure of La Scala in Milan, while inside it seems to recall S. Carlo Theater in Naples, with its three circles of tribunes and galleries.
The tour continues with the fascinating Palazzo Ducale, built on Roman buildings and housing the civil and military powers. The rests of the Roman Theater, discovered thanks to the excavations started in 1993, witness the ancient origins of the town. Santa Reparata Church, dedicated to the Saint Patron of Atri and united to the right side of the Basilica, was built in the 16th century by Giovan Battista Gianni from Milan (1704-1741).
Sant'Agostino Church, built in the early 14th century, is now deconsecrated and used as an Auditorium. Atri is famous for the wonderful natural environment surrounding it. The Gullies are a fascinating erosion phenomenon caused by the atmospheric agents, compared to Dante's bolge. Today these natural monuments are protected by Calanchi di Atri Regional Nature Reserve.
