The castle of Arielli has become a square. Of the fortress that filled the whole open space at the top of the hill, one owner is known for certain, in 1145: count Boemondo of Manoppello, taxed one mounted soldier as his contribution to the crusades; in 1528 the fief was taken from the city of Lanciano, and in 1561 baron Luca Andrea Arcuzio Resio had it restored and strengthened. After nearly two centuries of neglect the castle collapsed in 1904, the rubble was carted away and piazza Crognali opened in its place; the stronghold had belonged to the Crognale barons of Castel Frentano. A stretch of bastion survives, and on the side facing the square a building with a civic turret, clock and bells was carved out of it, today holding municipal offices and the sacristy of the church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Reuse is a habit here. The church of San Rocco, on the main street, served as the village cinema from the post-war years, and only in 2010 was it restored and reopened as an auditorium. A modern church carries the name of Saint Bridget, who in the 14th century passed this way on pilgrimage to Ortona, to the remains of Saint Thomas. Everything else had to be made again: Arielli lay on the Gustav Line and the bombing destroyed much of the built-up area, rebuilt after the war. Around it the hill is what it was, vineyards and olive groves down to the spring area of the river of the same name.
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📅 Every year, on 29 September
On 29 September Arielli celebrates Saint Michael the Archangel; the village's church of Santa Brigida was built in tribute to a saint who made a 14th-century pilgrimage to Ortona to visit the remains of Saint Thomas.
Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Arielli, but an easy day trip away.
