Archi, Abruzzo


Archi is a town and comune in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, southern Italy. It is part of the Valsangro mountain community.

Geography

The town of Archi is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Val di Sangro and Valle dell'Aventino. It covers 2818 hectares, and borders with the municipalities of Perano, Atessa, Tornareccio, Bomba, Roccascalegna and Altino. The Sangro river flows in the area.

History

The area Archi was already inhabited as early as the 11th-7th centuries BC, as testified by the Bronze Age Fonte Tasca site, whose defensive works still existed in the Hellenistic age.
In the Middle Ages, Archi was a fortified center that, together with Casoli and Roccascalegna, constituted a defensive triangle that blocked the passage from the eastern Maiella to the Sangro valley
In the Norman period, the town was entrusted to two soldiers managed by one Marsilius Trogisii. Later, Charles I of Anjou gave it for thirty ounces a year to one Berardo. Later he was held by various families including: Carafa, De Secura, Guevara, Crispano, Pignatelli, Cardone and finally the Adimari marquises of Bomba. After their last heir died without heirs, Archi returned to the royal direct control.

Main sights