Discover Crecchio: historic center, Castello and Byzantine history

Crecchio combines a historic center steeped in history with a distinctive landscape and traces dating from Roman times to the Byzantine Middle Ages. The historic center lies on the flat summit of a green, lushly vegetated hill. To the east, it is bordered by the Rifago stream, and to the west by the Arielli River. If you would like to get to know an Italian town not only through individual sights but also through its surrounding environment shaped over time, Crecchio offers several different ways to do so.

Historic Center and Castello

The town's former appearance can be traced through its history of fortification: the historic center was once surrounded by walls and accessible through only two gates. This architectural impression continues at the Castello di Crecchio. The complex has a square layout with four corner towers. The ground floor of the Castello Ducale di Crecchio consists of rooms with typically Romanesque barrel vaults. The Castello Ducale di Crecchio, recorded as a castle, is also located in the immediate vicinity of Crecchio.

Byzantine History in the Museum

A particularly tangible way to explore the past leads to the Museo dell'Abruzzo Bizantino ed Altomedievale. There, you can see finds from a Roman-Byzantine villa discovered in Vassarella di Crecchio. Using archaeological finds, the Altomedievale section offers an insight into the everyday life of the Byzantines in Abruzzo between the 6th and 7th centuries AD. It therefore addresses not only individual objects but also helps make historical connections understandable. The collection also makes it possible to reconstruct the trade routes of Byzantine Abruzzo with the East, particularly with Egypt.

Landscape, Walking and Living Tradition

The landscape around the historic center is also part of understanding Crecchio. In Roman times, the area was divided into large rural estates used to grow grain, vines and olive trees. A tour of Crecchio also includes a walk through the Valle dei Mulini. This adds a route through the landscape to the exploration of history. The Santuario di S. Elisabetta preserves numerous examples of popular devotion to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

“A Cena Con I Bizantini” is listed for the last weekend of July as a cultural and gastronomic tour through Crecchio's medieval historic center. The event thus combines historical themes with a culinary occasion and complements the aspects of the town that can be explored year-round with a special date in the annual calendar.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

If you are looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Crecchio, first decide what focus you want your stay to have. You can place the historic center and its architectural history at the heart of your visit, explore the museum collection dedicated to the Byzantine past in greater depth, or include a walk through the Valle dei Mulini.

For further travel planning, you can also explore Villa Caldari, Altino, Tollo, Gessopalena, Filetto, Carunchio, San Vito Chietino and Lido Di Casalbordino.

To the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.