Piane di Collevecchio
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Piane di Collevecchio (Plain of Collevecchio) is a small hamlet (frazione) in the commune of Montorio al Vomano in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
At one time in the distant past it was likely the location of the village of Collevecchio. In 1989 springs containing salt and sulfurous waters were uncovered in this area. These thermal baths have received recognition from the local Italian Minestry and a large tourist center devoted to their enjoyment has been planned. Such a development should bring much needed economic development to the surrounding area.
Located in Piane di Collevecchio is an old water mill constructed in 1867 by Angelo Giuseppe and Francesco Salvi. Various members of the Salvi family kept the mill in operation until the year 1962. Today it is used mostly for school visits and educational purposes.
[edit] Church
At one time the ancient Monastery of Santa Maria was located in a deep hollow known as "Fosso dello Zolfo" (Sulfur Chase). It had to have been constructed on a very steep incline near the Vomano River. A neighborhood in this locality is still known as Santa Maria, referred to by others as San Martino. Over time the forces of erosion have washed away virtually all traces of this small church although some of the elderly residents of Piane di Collevecchio still speak of its presence. From time to time people who happen to be excavating in the area come across traces of the church, these thought to be omens of good luck.
The patron of Piane di Collevecchio is Saint Emidio. Around 1927, under the tutelage of the architect Pio Ferretti, a small church was constructed in his honor.
[edit] History
During World War II, Gregorio Ferretti, the brother of the above mentioned church architect, served as the pastor of Saint Emidio. Gregorio was known as a well educated and extremely generous man with a deep love and understanding of the local area. He was given to charity and would help those in need without question as to their ideological background or beliefs. Prior to the war Gregorio had expressed support for the Fascists and in the waning days of the regime his friends urged him to go into hiding. In good conscience he declined expressing his beliefs that he had nothing to hide and that his taking refuge would be a sign of cowardice. One night in 1945 several Italian Partisans came to his house along the road to Collevecchio asking for money and something to eat. As was his custom, Gregorio granted their request. After the meal the men invited the pastor to accompany them on their journey. Once outside a pistol was drawn and Gregorio was murdered. For years afterward the names of several men who were likely involved in this unfortunate event have been whispered amongst the towns people but no formal charges have ever been filed.
[edit] Traditions of Piane di Collevecchio
One prominent tradition in this hamlet is linked to memory of Saint Anthony. Groups of young people dress in the historical costumes and go from house to house singing traditional songs. In return, local food delicacies such as sausage, cheese, and eggs are requested. Another custom involves a game called rutula (the dialectical word for ruzzola, meaning to roll). Spheres of wood or rubber (in the past cheese) are placed in the pouch of a sheppard's sling and hurled far through the air. Tournaments dedicated to this pastime are still held and an Italian rutula champion was recently crowned.
