Popoli

Popoli is a small town situated at the foot of Mount Morrone, near the springs of the Pescara river, which joins with the Aterno and runs into the Adriatic sea. Because of the springs of the Pescara, the Giardino, and the San Callisto rivers, Popoli is famous for its production of bottled mineral water and its natural spas. Province: Pescara (PE) Elevation: 254 m above sea level Distance from the city of Pescara: 53 km Population: 5564 as of May 2007 Zip code: 65010 Phone Area Code: 085 How to get there: road: s.n. 5 Tiburtina motorway: A25 exit Bussi Historically, Popoli was inhabited by the Peligni people, who were eventually run out by the Roman empire. It's name has been said to derive from the latin word "populus" for the Pioppo plant that grows in abundance around the area. However, this theory is not widely accepted because the Pioppo plant grows all over Italy, making it an inadequate reason to name a town. Another theory based on the ancient name "Castrum pauperum" recorded in the Chronicon Casauriense documents, links the name to the meaning of "poor" - an impoverished population. In the local vernacular, the town was often called "Puòpere". The ruins of a castle originally built in 1016 by the Tidolfo Bishop, and later reinforced by the Dukes of Cantelmo after the feuds of 1269, are still standing today. The town's strategic position along the "Via degli Abruzzi", a historical communications route leading from the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo to Naples, has played a large part in the shaping of its history. Previous to 1927, Popoli was part of the province of L'Aquila. Now it is part of the province of Pescara. What to see: Taverna Ducale and Palazzo Ducale (XIV century), one of the most significant medieval buildings in Abruzzo Church of San Francesco, rebuilt in the XV century, famous for one of the few wooden crucifixes in the region and an altar made of ceramic from the town of Castelli Church of Saints Lorenzo and Biagio and the small church nearby called Santissima Trinità Monastery of San Domenico (now the Town Hall), dating back to the XVIII century Natural Reserves: Riserva Naturale Sorgenti del Pescara Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Rotondo Where to stay: Hotel Tre Monti Hotel Maré Where to eat: Do you know of a good place to eat in Popoli? Submit your suggestions here. Festivals: Sometime in mid-August the whole town celebrates its Trout and Shrimp Festival Cronoscalata "Svolte di Popoli", a car race from the plains of Popoli to the top of a 10 km winding road up the mountain Nearby towns: Bussi sul Tirino Pratola Peligna Navelli