Arquata del Tronto

Arquata del Tronto is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Ascoli Piceno in the Italian region Marche, located about 100 km south of Ancona and about 25 km southwest of Ascoli Piceno. It is located in the natural park known as the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.

History

Ancient history of the town is uncertain, though some scholars have assigned it to Surpicanum visible in the Peutingerian Table, a centre of the Piceni or the Sabines whose location is however still debated. Another theory has it founded by the Romans as a stage on the Via Salaria.

The first mention of Arquata dates to the Middle Ages (6th century), when a stronghold existed here. In 1255 it was conquered by Ascoli Piceno, under which it remained (with a certain autonomy) until the late 14th century. In 1397, during the war between Ascoli and Norcia, it was a stronghold of the latter and the Ghibellines from Ascoli. Queen Joan II of Naples lived in Arquata from 1420 to 1435. After being contended for years between the two aforementioned cities, it was part of the Papal States; Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped here in 1849 during his retreat after the crushing of the Roman Republic in 1848.

Main sights

• The Rocca (castle), built in the 13th century, commanding the Via Salaria and the Tronto river.
• Sant'Agata Gate, the last remaining element of the medieval walls.
• Church of SS. Annunziata, housing a 16th century Annunciation and a precious 13th century wooden crucifix, considered the oldest holy statue in the Marche.

In the frazione of Pretare is an ancient furnace.

References