Guardiagrele

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Comune di Guardiagrele
Coat of arms of Comune di Guardiagrele
Municipal coat of arms
Country Italy Italy
Region Abruzzo
Province Chieti (CH)
Mayor Mario Palmerio
Elevation 576 m
Area 56 km²
Population
 - Total (as of December 31, 2004) 9,662
 - Density 177/km²
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 42°12′N 14°13′E
Gentilic Guardiesi
Dialing code 0871
Postal code 66016
Frazioni Anello, Bocca di Valle, Caporosso, Caprafico, Caprafico piane, Cerchiara, Colle Barone, Colle Luna, Comino, Melone, Piano Fonti, Piana San Bartolomeo, San Biase, San Domenico, San Leonardo, Santa Lucia, San Vincenzo, Sciorilli, Tiballo, Villa San Vincenzo, Voire
Patron San Donato
 - Day August 7


Location of Guardiagrele in Italy
Website: www.comune.guardiagrele.ch.it

Guardiagrele is a town and commune in the province of Chieti, part of the Abruzzo region of southern Italy. It is situated in the foothills of the Maiella mountain at an elevation of around 576 metres. Its population numbers about 10,000 .

The town was nicknamed "la terrazza d'Abruzzo" (Abruzzo's terrace) by Gabriele d'Annunzio because of its beautiful view of the valleys.

The town is a popular destination for tourism especially during the summer months when the town is enlivened by a varied and stimulating festival. Locals turn again towards the mountains, many taking as their starting point the small village of Bocca di Valle (Alt: 650m) that stands guard at the entrance of the Vesola valley that leads directly into the Maiella National Park.

The portico of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Enlarge
The portico of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Known throughout Abruzzo for its wrought-iron craft, copper craft and gold-work, Guardiagrele was the home of the great goldsmith and sculptor Nicola da Guardiagrele, who was born there in the late 15th century.

[edit] Main sights

There are many churches in Guardiagrele, the biggest of which is Santa Maria Maggiore.

In addition to the old churches, there are also several 17th century palazzi or mansions of architectural interest, including Palazzo De Lucia, Palazzo Elisii and Palazzo Marini.