Tordino
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tordino is a river located in the province of Teramo in the Abruzzo region of Italy. In Roman times it was known as "Batinus".
The source of the Tordino is located between Mount Gorzano and Pelone and after flowing for 36 miles it empties into the Adriatic Sea. The river initially flows in a torrent to the east through the Gran Sasso National Park, then arcs to the north around Mount Bilanciere before finally flowing in a south easterly direction.
Near its source, the Tordino forms the Fiumata cascades and, a bit further along, the Tordino cascades. It then passes through Padula and Caiano, suburbs of the Cortino township (comune). Watermills and olive oil presses are located in the higher elevations. The town of Teramo (from the Latin word "Interamna" meaning between two rivers) is located at the junction where the Tordino meets the Vezzola river. The mouth of the Tordino can be found in the town of Giulianova (from the Latin, "Castrum Novum"). The Tordino river basin covers an area of approximately 175 square miles.
Tributaries on the left bank of the Tordino include the protective irrigation drain known as the Cavata (including three terraces and their associated cascades near the source of the Tordino), the Rivettino, the Castiglione, the Rivoletto, the Rio Verde, the large ditch known as "The Inferno," the six mile long Fiumicino stream, and the Vezzola river. A large portion of the water of the Vezzola (which begins near the town of Rocca Santa Maria, has a length of 12 miles, and passes through the Torricella Sicura community) is used by the ENEL (Ente Nazionale per l'Energia Elettrica) utility company to produce electricity.
Tributaries on the right bank of the Tordino include the Movese and Elce irrigation drains. Also located on the side is a stream known as the Fiumicello, this being formed by the watershed from the slopes of Mount Bilanciere.