Discover Fallo: Borgo, Church Art and the Sangro Valley

Fallo between the Borgo, the Sangro Valley and oak forests

Fallo has medieval origins; the first written documents attesting to them date from the 12th century. At that time, the town was known as Faldum. The historic settlement lies on a rocky spur above the Sangro Valley, while oak forests surround Fallo. The location connects local history and landscape: the rocky spur marks the historic settlement core, while the oak forests define the surrounding natural area. Borgo Valle vecchia dates from the 19th century and therefore belongs to a later construction phase than the medieval origins.

Historic paths and distinctive townscapes

Visitors can stroll through Fallo’s small borgo along old stone paths. A specific example of the later building history is Borgo Valle vecchia, a 19th-century building complex made of dressed stone and pebbles. Outside the historic center, the ruins of an archaeological site lie on the Fallo Vecchio hill. The ruins of Mulino della Selva, in turn, lie on the Sangro River. The sulfur spring in Contrada Carpineto is another point of reference for navigating the area. The two ruin sites differ in location: Fallo Vecchio lies on the hill, while Mulino della Selva is by the river.

Churches and works of art

The Chiesa di Maria Santissima del Soccorso has an irregular octagonal floor plan. It also has an altarpiece depicting the Coronation of the Madonna with San Giovanni Battista and San Nicola di Bari. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista houses a polychrome wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child from the mid-14th century.

The altarpiece in the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista measures 180 × 262 cm and shows the Virgin Mary crowned by angels beside San Nicola di Bari and San Giovanni Battista. The two churches therefore differ in their combination of architectural form, sculpture and painting: Maria Santissima del Soccorso displays the Coronation of the Madonna, while San Giovanni Battista houses the Madonna and Child and an altarpiece measuring 180 × 262 cm.

A mural connected to an international project

The mural “Il filo della memoria” is accessible without architectural barriers. It is an NAREVE project carried out with the Associazione di Promozione Sociale WOO and the South African skills center Artist Proof Studio. The work complements the historic churches, stone buildings and ruins with a more recent artistic creation produced through international collaboration.

Regional cuisine in Fallo

Fallo’s culinary traditions include “fojie e patane” made with potatoes from Medio Sangro. Carefully prepared lamb dishes are also part of the regional cuisine. In “fojie e patane,” the potatoes come from Medio Sangro; carefully prepared lamb dishes constitute another specific group of dishes.

More destinations to compare in Italy

If you would like to consider more destinations for your trip to Italy in addition to Fallo, you can also compare Olmi, Crecchio, Cupello, Roccamontepiano, San Giovanni Teatino, Marina di San Vito, Francavilla Al Mare and Guilmi.

For the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.