Alfedena (AQ)
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Alfedena (AQ)>: A commune in the province of L’Aquila.>
Region: Abruzzo. Province: L’Aquila.
Elevation: 914 m. Area: 40.27 km². Population: 787 (2006e); 716 (2001). Population Density: 17.8/km² (2001).
Coordinates: Lat. 41°44’14” N/Long. 14°2’21” E.
Location & Setting: Located in the upper Sangro Valley.Part of Comunità Montana Alto Sangro Cinque Miglia. Part of Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.
Frazioni: .
Tel. Prefix: 0864. Postal Code: 67030.
Population Designation: Alfedenesi.
Patron Saint (s): SS. Maria Salomè and Pietro the martyr . Feast Day: 2nd Sunday in July.
Former Names: anc. Aufidena.
History: The center is of pre-Roman Samnite origins. In medieval times it was part of the County of Sangro. During World War II it suffered major damage.
Historic Population Figures: (1861); (1901); (1921); (1951); (1981); (2001).
Famous Natives & Residents:
Points of Interest:
Historical Sites and Monuments: Ancient remains of megalithic walls, an Italic temple, and an acropolis.
Excavations at the Campo Consolino necropolis have revealed Samnite artifacts from the 9th to 6th centuries BC.
Remains of a castle with an octagonal tower.
Churches and Religious Sites: The 13th century Church of SS. Pietro e Paolo was rebuilt after World War II. It retains its original portal.
Museums: The Museo Civico Aufidenate “A De Nino”. It contains finds from the local archaeological excavations including Samnite armor, jewelry, ceramics, and bronze statuary.
Culture:
Events: The Feast of Sant’Antonio, with the traditional bonfires- Jan. 17.
Feast of SS. Maria Salomè and Pietro the martyr- 2nd Sunday in July.