| Teramo | |||
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| — Comune — | |||
| Città di Teramo | |||
| Teramo | |||
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Teramo
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| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Italy | ||
| Region | Abruzzo | ||
| Province | Teramo (TE) | ||
| Frazioni | See list | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Maurizio Brucchi (since June, 2009) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 151.88 km2 (58.6 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 265 m (869 ft) | ||
| Population (30 April 2009) | |||
| • Total | 55,106 | ||
| • Density | 362.8/km2 (939.7/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym | Teramani | ||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
| Postal code | 64100 | ||
| Dialing code | 0861 | ||
| Patron saint | Saint Berardo | ||
| Saint day | December 19 | ||
| Website | Official website | ||
Teramo is a city and comune in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, the capital of the province of Teramo.
The city, 150 kilometres (93 mi) from Rome, is situated between the highest mountains of the Apennines (Gran Sasso d’Italia) and the Adriatic coast. It is indeed one of the few places where it is possible to reach, both the sunny beaches of the Adriatic sea and the 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) covered by snow Gran Sasso peaks, in less than half an hour from the city centre. The town is by the confluence of the Vezzola and Tordino rivers.
The economy of the town is mostly based on activities connected with agriculture and commerce, as well as a sound industrial sector: textiles, foods, engineering, building materials and ceramics. Teramo can easily be reached from the A14 autostrada and in one and a half hours by car from Rome via the A24 autostrada.
The climate is fresh-temperate. In the coolest month (January) temperatures average 5.5 °C (42 °F), and in the warmest month (July) they average 24 °C (75 °F). In the winter time though they can experience copious amounts of snowfall, as in 2005. The precipitations are not frequent and mostly concentrated in late spring. The summers are characterized by days of somewhat intense heat.
| Climate data for Teramo (2007) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 14 (57) |
14 (57) |
15 (59) |
20 (68) |
24 (75) |
28 (82) |
32 (90) |
30 (86) |
24 (75) |
17 (63) |
13 (55) |
13 (55) |
20.3 (68.6) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 5 (41) |
6 (43) |
7 (45) |
10 (50) |
14 (57) |
17 (63) |
21 (70) |
19 (66) |
14 (57) |
11 (52) |
6 (43) |
5 (41) |
11.3 (52.3) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 14 (0.55) |
26 (1.02) |
67 (2.64) |
25 (0.98) |
92 (3.62) |
62 (2.44) |
0 (0) |
30 (1.18) |
30 (1.18) |
30 (1.18) |
157 (6.18) |
90 (3.54) |
623 (24.53) |
| Source: National Weather Service | |||||||||||||
Interamnia (Greek: Ἰντέραμνα: Eth. Interamnas, Interamnātis), was the name of several cities in different parts of Italy. Its etymology, already pointed out by Varro and Festus, indicates their position at the confluence of two streams.[1] The form "Interamnium" (Greek: Ἰντεράμνιον), and the ethnic form Interamnis, are also found, but more rarely. The name referred to the two rivers Vezzola and Tordino, between which it lies.
The name is already corrupted in extant manuscripts of the Liber Coloniarum into Teramne, whence its modern form of Teramo. But in the Middle Ages it appears to have been known also by the name of Aprutium, supposed to be a corruption of Praetutium, or rather of the name of the people Praetutii, applied (as was so often the case in Gaul) to their chief city. Thus the name Abrutium is present among the cities of Picenum enumerated by the Geographer of Ravenna (iv. 31); and under the Lombards a comes Aprutii is mentioned. The name has been retained in that of Abruzzo, now a region of Italy.
Teramo has very ancient origins. The settlement of the 1st BC millennium along with some buildings of the Ancient people of Italy were the object of very recent archaeological excavations. The most ancient historical remains were found in the outskirts of the city, precisely, in the neighborhood Madonna della Cona, where, among many, a burial place with a dagger and a halberd were found. Allegedly, the development of the of the old settlement was due to the commercial center founded by the Etruscan and Phoenician civilization.
According to the Roman author Sextus Julius Frontinus, the ancient Perut or Pretut ( hill surrounded by waters) strongly developed in dimensions and importance until it became the capital of Praetutium and Conciliabulum where the Praetutii people lived.
The city takes its latin name of Interamnia Preatuttorium ( City of the Preaetutii between two rivers) allegedly simple translation of the toponym “Petrut”. During the Age of Augustus Intermania is included in the fifth district: The Picenum (the VI district was Umbria and the IV was Samnium). The area of the current province is divided from south to north in Ager Hatrianus, Ager Praetutianus and Ager Palmense. During this period Interamnia is:
A first destruction of the city in the year 410 by the Visigoths under Alaric I is testified. Even though the information about this age is very uncertain, it is said that the presence of the Goths in Interamnia is active until 552-554 A.d. Right after the Gothic War, the city is a possession of the Byzantine empire. Teramo is then anew included in the Marchia Firmana, under the Greek Esarcato of Ravenna. The city is now governed by a count of the Marchia Firmana.
During the House of Anjou dominion, Teramo is subjected to a new period of majesty and prosperity: the ecclesiastical authority of the Aprutina Diocese, led by the bishops Rainaldo Acquaviva, Niccolò degli Arcioni (1317), Stefano da Teramo (1335) and Pietro di Valle (1366) gives new life to the city. This is witnessed by the construction of beautiful castles, churches, cloisters and palaces along with the great privilege granted by the sovereigns. The city changes its architectural face, both in the old district and the new. It turns into a frontier city and in the very sense of the word, it is named Gate of the Reigns.
The Roman theatre was built at the beginning of the 2nd century, under the rule of the emperor Hadrian. The theatre is merely a stone’s throw away from the Duomo of Teramo. The walls are 10 ft (3.05 m) long and are a testimony of how big the theatre was when its capacity was 3.000 spectators. Since the fall of Rome, the building materials were used in other projects. In 1918 its ruins were found and in 2007 the rebuilding project was designed. After the demolition of Palazzo Adamoli planned for 2011, the theatre will rediscover its first glory. The masterpiece was described through the poetic lines of famous poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. He said “The remains of the theatre of Interamnia proves its ancient Roman majesty”.
Even though it is sure that the 700 ft (213.36 m) wide building was a site of urban interest, there is no proof that the great amphitheater of Teramo was the center of the first Christians’ martyrdom. It is believed that in the Middle Age it was used as a castle or a fortress to protect the city. The legend tells that a beautiful Spanish lady had the mission of killing the men who had loved her the night before. She stole their souls immediately after, so no-one would have evidence of the passion of her nights.
It is one of the most interesting houses still remaining from the Teramo of the Middle Age. Built by Norman Count from Loretello right after the siege, but prior to the fire that burn the city in the middle of the 12th century.
The church of the 14th century was connected with the church of “Santo Spirito in Saxia” in Rome. Something about it was reminiscent of the presence of the cross of Constantine. It was the centre of a hospital and of a brotherhood interested in the burial of the dead. It perfectly characterizes the elements of the Teramo of the Middle Age.
The Basilica Cathedral of Santa Marria Assunta and Saint Berardo is the most important piece of art in Teramo. The construction began in 1158 under the wish of the bishop Guido II, because he was eager to have a new location for San Berardo da Pagliara memorabilia. It was consecrated and completed in 1176. Most of the material used to build was taken from the theater and the Roman amphitheater. The tower built in 11th and 12th centuries has three bells and it is 165 ft (50.29 m) long. Another relevant masterpiece is the silver canopy of Nicola da Guardiagrele, which took 15 years to be built (from 1433 to 1448). Since September 8, 2007, it is now possible to visit the subterranean crypt of Saint Berardo da Pagliara, the patron saint of Teramo.
The church of San Getulio, built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of a Roman temple, finally destroyed in 1155 by the Normans. Only the presbytery and some Romanesque elements remain of the original building.
The old “Church della Misericordia” (now Casa del Mutilato) was built as a consequence of the pestilence in 1348, and was reorganized in 1928. It was very relevant the fresco of Giacomo da Campli (century 15). In 1514 it hosted the queen Joan II of Naples, she went there to admire a precious crucifix that was said to contain a thorn from the crown of Jesus Christ.
Some think that it is not the most beautiful palace in Teramo, but that it is the entire square. Majestic, stunning like a Roman monastery it is the centre of Convitto Nazionale and Liceo Classico. Built in 1934 it was the first building for the faculty of Law in Teramo in 1817.
It was most likely erected in 1374 with columns of stones and travertine from Civitella del Tronto. It still is the residence of the bishop and the main offices of the Aprutina administration. It is the same bishop that every year among the Thursday and Good Friday night leads an extraordinary nightly procession. The tradition tells that the Virgin Mother, who is not in mourning yet, wanders from church to church looking for his son. If in the desperate search, the virgin runs into the rain, she takes shelter in the nearest church where she will have to stay until the next night of the forthcoming year. Although the procession leaves at 4am, it is a rite that keeps on attracting thousands of faithful in the Easter of Teramo.
It is the desire of a man, an artist, who wanted to keep up with the changing style of the great cities in the 19th century through the “gothic revival”. Don Gennaro Della Monica decided to build a castle for himself and his family in Piazza Garibaldi, he personally took care of any small detail. The history of the castle is the story of love, secrets, legends, and fantasies.
The church "fuori porta" (outside of the Roman’s gates that surrounded the city) is one of the most traditional of the Christianity relics in the town. The church along with the inner cloister was re-opened in September 1900.
This is a square in the old part of the city with a stunning church. It has recently been object of studying owing to the remains found belonging to the old Torre Bruciata and to a Roman Domus of the 2nd century B.c.
The archaeologists and the historians think it is a statue of an ancient powerful Roman patrician, the citizens of Teramo just think of him as Sor Paolo or rather Gnore Paule in dialect. In his left-hand people stuffed satires and letters of complaint about the city’s most powerful people. They are nowadays substituted with love poems or city Teramo teams flags.
The ex Casa Muzii (named after the owner's last name) was built in 1908 in Corso Cerulli. It is an example of art nouveau in the city.
It was once considered the biggest psychiatric hospital of central/southern Italy. A building from 1323 with a top-notch staff of doctors. Marco Levi Bianchini, one of the most accomplished men of the Italian psychiatric field and Freud’s pupil throughout an epistolary correspondence, led the center. He founded the Italian Psychoanalytic Society. On the gate of the hospital there was a sign that said “Here are the few perhaps not even the real ones”.
It is by far the symbol of the archeological history of Teramo. Found in 1891 during the construction of the grand Palazzo Savini, the mosaic underwent centuries of dampness. However, due to the impeccable work of restoration specialists it still is a perfect representation of the works of urban archeology. The value of the masterpiece proves that a long time ago the city had an important tradition and a real school for the masters of mosaic. Today it’s still possible to meet young craftsmen who are studying the art of mosaic according to the rules of the ancient Rome masters.
An art exhibit, Maggio Festeggiante, is held each May, and the Teramo Literary Prize and the Interamnia World Cup, an international event with athletes coming from all over the world. A week in October is dedicated to an international photography of film show.
The University of Teramo offers five faculties, 24 degree courses, 35 Masters, six postgraduate schools and 10 departments. The entire 50,000 sq m of the Coste Sant'Agostino Campus holds the faculties of Law, Communication Sciences, and Political Science.
The archeological museum houses sculptures and ruins of the most ancient version of Teramo; from prehistory to the Roman Empire Age. The pinacoteca has a huge collection of canvas, paintings, and sculpture for permanent and stable collections.
This was the dream of a man, an artist, who wanted to keep up with the changing style of the great cities in the 19th century through the “gothic revival”. Don Gennaro Della Monica built a castle for himself and his family in Piazza Garibaldi.
Founded September 2, 1941 the ““Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale" (IZSAM) is one of the ten experimental institutes Zoo profilattico in Italy. Its job is to inspect animals sanitary conditions, their health conditions, origin of the products, the veterinarian vigilance, the education, experimentation and scientific investigation, and the ambient care.
At the municipal level, the City of Teramo has a council made up of the mayor and councilmen that are elected every five years. In Italy every citizen over 18 has the right to vote.
The current Mayor Maurizio Brucchi was elected in June 2009, as the ex Mayor Gianni Chiodi resigned to be proposed (and then elected) as a candidate of the Abruzzo region president.
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| Gianni Chiodi | Al centro con Chiodi | 2004 |
| Maurizio Brucchi | The People of Freedom | 2009 |
Teramo is twinned with:
People born in or around Teramo include:
Cannelli, Caprafico, Castagneto, Castrogno, Cavuccio, Cerreto, Chiareto, Colle Caruno, Colleatterrato Alto, Colleminuccio, Colle Santa Maria, Forcella (located about 11 kilometers from Teramo and dominating the Vomano Valley, Frondarola, Galeotti, Garrano, Garrano Basso, Magnanella, Miano, Monticelli, Nepezzano, Pantaneto, Poggio Cono, Piano D'Accio, Piano della Lenta, Poggio San Vittorino, Ponzano, Putignano, Rapino, Rocciano, Rupo, Sardinara, Saccoccia, San Nicolò a Tordino (important industrial zone located along the axis joining Teramo to the sea), San Pietro ad Lacum, Sant'Atto, Scapriano, Sciusciano, Sorrenti, Spiano, Tofo Sant'Eleuterio, Tordinia, Turri, Valle San Giovanni, Valle Soprana, Varano, Villa Falchini, Villa Gesso, Villa Ripa, Villa Romita, Villa Stanghieri, Villa Taraschi, Villa Viola, Villa Vomano (located in the Vomano valley and an important link to the autostrada).
Teramo Basket is a young but established basketball team playing in Serie A, the Italian professional basketball league. Teramo has been an important launch pad for both Italian and American players such as Clay Tucker, Jaycee Carroll, and more...
Teramo is one of the oldest football clubs in the history of the Italian league, founded on July 15, 1913. It plays in the Italian Serie D. The "Comunale stadium" hosts concerts and football matches.
H.C. Teramo Handball are two handball teams (male and female) playing in the major handball championship in Italy. The city hosts the Interamnia World Cup every July, the handball world cup with more than 30 teams from all over the world.
Other sports practiced in Teramo are:
The provincial Teramo gastronomy is known for its variety and richness. Typical ingredients include agnello (lamb), peperoncino (hot pepper), formaggio pecorino (sheep milk cheeses), and slow roasted pork. Common wines are the renowned Montepulciano and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo.
Typical dishes from Teramo and the surrounding communities include the following:
