Village of Capestrano (AQ)

Province: L'Aquila - Elevation: 463 Population: 1141

The village is very famous for the "Warrior of Capestrano", a grave stele of the 6th century BC, depicting an early Italic warrior in full gear, founded in 1934 by a farmer in a field of the old valley of Tirino. Currently the statue is on display in the National Archaeological Museum of the Abruzzi in Chieti.

The town is also famous as birthplace of St. Giovanni da Capestrano, a Franciscan preacher. In the old town it is located the beautiful castle, once belonged to Piccolomini family and then to the House of Medici, now there are the town hall offices. In the same square the parish church of St. Maria della Pace is worth a visit with the eighteen-century bell tower and the baroque interior.

Main sights are the convent and the church of St. Giovanni da Capestrano and the church of St. Peter ad Oratorium, built in 8th century by the Lombardic king Desiderius. On its facade the unique "quadrato magico" (magic square) depicts five mysterious words, can be read both horizontally and vertically. The springs of river Tirino are on the northern side of the town, in the district of Capo d'Acqua.

It is possible to indulge in culinary delights with the famous local trouts and shrimps farming.