Travelcast Piceno - Audio & Video Guide per la Provincia di Ascoli Piceno

Below the peak of Monte Sibilla, in the deep and spectacular gorge of the Infernaccio rapids, are the headwaters of the Tenna River. Since antiquity, humans have inhabited the shores of this waterway, which finds its way toward the Adriatic Sea between the hills of the Parco Nazionale dei Sibillini.

In the territory of Amandola, the traces of ancient human presence speak of the Piceno and of the Roman civilizations, which in this area show strong ties to working the earth. However, this did not result in isolated communities, as evidenced by a “dinos”, or large vase decorated with bronze, and used for serving wine. This object attests to the wealth of an aristocratic class of Piceni. Today, one can find such evidence in the Archeological Museum of Ancona. One can also find an inscribed stone that was used to delineate the borders between the agricultural communities which dates back to the roman period.
In the past, the small villages were sparsely distributed among the hills until this arrangement was transformed by the arrival of the Longobardi. The population gathered around the most important fortifications, especially those on the Marrubbione, Agello, and Castel Leone hills. With the passage of time, the three small communities wanted to unite into a single entity, and Castel Leone became the most important center, contributing its name to the new town.
During the Middle Ages, the town sought to expand its territory by forming alliances and engaging in skirmishes with nearby villages. The lower lords more remote of the castles attemped to resist, but in time they became part of the township and even occupied public offices. Thus was born a community of the territory that founded its economic strength on traditional crafts, on raising sheep and goats, and in the wool and fabric trades.
In the following centuries, the control of the Church slowed the rise of mountain communities, controlled by small groups of nobles that governed side-by-side with other social classes at the end of the 18th century.  From this period, a new impulse arose in civic life.  The construction of the Communal Theater stands as testimony to this.
The creation of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini ensures the safeguarding of the natural and human cultural patrimony of this territory, which in turn stimulates tourism.  Here it is possible to find the richness of artistic history and Italian culture in an extraordinary natural setting, and whose origins lie in myths and legends from the beginning of time. The legend of the Sybil, especially, has made its mark through the centuries in these mountains and hills, and her fame was carried all the way to Germany and Great Britain, where it contact with the myths of Venus and Tannheuser.
Amandola is a small village that is an excellent representative of the territory of the Parco Nazionale dei Sibillini. To slowly wander its streets, squares and monuments is an experience that will introduce one to the special nature of this territory.

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