Discover Navelli: A Journey through History and Taste
Explore Navelli, a fascinating medieval village in Abruzzo, known for its ancient history and saffron production. Find out more in the new audio guide.
Navelli is a charming medieval village in Abruzzo, known for the cultivation of saffron PDO. Its origins date back to the Vestini, with evidence dating back to the sixth century BC. The village still retains its original urban structure, with narrow alleys and stone houses. Navelli is not only a historical treasure, but also a symbol of agricultural excellence thanks to its production of saffron, which continues to be a major economic resource. Its strategic location along historic trade routes has greatly influenced its development.
The origins date back to the Vestini who settled in the area in the 6th century BC. Two main settlements, Incerulæ and Benateru, were founded in this period, strategically located along the Via Claudia Nova. As evidence of these ancient settlements, there is a large necropolis and inscriptions in the Vestine dialect mentioning a temple dedicated to Hercules Iovius. These finds prove the historical importance of Navelli even in ancient times.
In the Renaissance, the saffron trade gave new impetus to Navelli, leading to an expansion of the town. Navelli's strategic importance along the Via degli Abruzzi made it a vital centre for trade. With the passage of the Caracciolo family of Naples and other noble families, the village developed further, despite dramatic events such as the plague of 1656 and the earthquakes that followed. Today, the combination of history and culture is palpable in the architectural structures and local traditions.
Navelli arose from the union of several early medieval villages, each with its own church, which led to the formation of today's village. The first mentions of Navelli appear in the Chronicon Vulturnense in 787. During the Middle Ages, its pastoral vocation and strategic position along the Regio Tratturo favoured transhumance. The historical heritage is still reflected in the village, from the castle, expanded over time, to the Piaggia Grande, highlighting centuries of historical transformations.
We invite readers to listen to our audio guides to further explore the history and wonders of Navelli.
La guida audio
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