Guardiagrele
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| Comune di Guardiagrele | |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms |
|
| Country |  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 | |
| 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. From spring onwards locals and visiting walkers 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 from which a network of waymarked footpaths lead directly into the Maiella National Park. Indeed for the very fit it would be possible to walk from Bocca di Valle to the summit of Monte Amaro(2793 m), the highest peak in the Maiella. In the main though, walks from Bocca di Valle are more local in nature providing tranquil rambles through mixed and deciduous woodland. Popular destinations from Bocca di Valle are La Valle delle Monache. La Piana delle mele, La Cascata di San Giovanni, l'Eremo di San Giovanni and Il Campanaro. There is also a fine circumnavigation of the valley that allows a view of much that the Vesola has to offer as well as some fine views of other parts of the Maiella.
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.
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