Country Italy Comune Cortino Time zone CET (UTC+1) Local time Monday 4:40 PM Population 118 (2001) Dialling code 861 | Region Abruzzo Elevation 928 m (3,045 ft) Dialing code (+39) 0861 Postal code 64040 Province Province of Teramo | |
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Weather 10°C, Wind N at 11 km/h, 77% Humidity | ||
Padula is a small village in the Province of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. It is a hamlet (frazione) of the commune of Cortino.
Contents
- Map of 64040 Padula Province of Teramo Italy
- Geography
- History
- Churches
- Demographics
- Festivals and events
- References
Map of 64040 Padula, Province of Teramo, Italy
Geography
Padula lies about 35 km from the provincial capital of Teramo and stands at an altitude of 928 metres. It falls within Zone "M" of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga (National Park of the Gran Sasso and Mount Laga).
The old schoolhouse, now renovated, houses an information and ecological center by the name of I frutti del bosco (Wild Berries).
History
Until taking on the present abbreviated version, Padula, from at least the 12th century onward the town was called "Rocca di Padula" (Fortress of Padula). In 1816 it was annexed by the commune of Cortino.
Churches
The patron of the town is the Blessed Virgin Mary to whom is dedicated the main church in the town, Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta (Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption). It is noted for its 15th-century frescoes. The church dates back to the 15th century and was restored in the 19th century. Further restorative work was carried out in 1988 at which time it was given the title "Santuario della Madonna dei Monti della Laga" (Sanctuary of the Madonna of Mount Laga). The smaller, Chiesa di Sant'Antonio ("Church of Saint Anthony"), is located in the town center.
Demographics
Fewer than 50 people reside in Padula during the cold winter months. This number increases considerably when many tourists, emigrants, and those with vacation homes return in the warm summer season.
Festivals and events
The main celebrations occur during the summer season: