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The beautiful town of Atessa boasts spectacular views of the Adriatic sea and the Majella mountain and foothills. It is full of history, and in recent years has grown substantially from an industrial point of view; large factories of multi-national companies like Honda and Sevel have settled in the valley below Atessa, providing plenty of work for its residents, as well as for residents of surrounding towns. Province: Chieti (CH)
Altitude: 435 m above sea level
Population: 10,270
Zip code: 66030
City hall phone number: 0872 850421
Official city website: http://www.comunediatessa.it

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
The original name of the town was Ate–Tixe, a combination of two names which represent two separate towns that eventually merged. Legend says they merged because Saint Leucio managed to kill the dragon that lived between the two towns. The town as it is today dates back to the 10th century, but Ate-Tixe was a place mentioned as far back as Roman times. Evidence of pre-roman settlements have also been found here. In the era of feudalism, the main lords belonged to the Colonna family.

WHAT TO SEE:
  • Church of Saint Leucio, with decoration in baroque wooden carvings and a silver piece by artisan Nicola da Guardiagrele
  • Casa De Marco, with a 17th century window
  • Chiesa di S. Domenico, with a 17th century door

The Festival Internazionale del Folklore (International Folklore Festival) of Atessa is definitely one of the most interesting from an artistic point of view, but the rito delle ‘ndorce of San Martino is particularly fascinating and takes place in May, consisting in a pilgrimage to the remains of the Monastery of San Martino in Valle, in the Vallone di Santo Spirito. Moreover, there is a lively production of artefacts that represent an uninterrupted connection with the past and the ancient techniques for processing iron, stone, ceramic and wood – handed down through the past centuries – go straight into the third millennium.

FESTIVALS:
  • 27 January – Giorno della memoria (Jewish remembrance day)
  • 3rd & 4th Sundays in May - Le'ndorce (a celebration of San Martino)
  • Second weekend of July – Atessa Jazz
  • 14-19 August – Festival of San Leucio
  • 14 August – Corti Antiche - a festival with local foods, concerts, theatre, live music. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
  • 15 August - Festival of Abruzzese songs and Ferragosto (end of summer celebration)

NEARBY TOWNS:
  • Paglieta
  • Torino di Sangro
  • Fossacesia
  • Vasto
  • Lanciano
  • Casalbordino

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