Cupello – Landscape, Cultural Heritage and Seasonal Festivals

Cupello lies between the valleys of the Sinello and Trigno rivers. From the town centre, there are views across the broad Gulf of Abruzzo and Molise towards the Tremiti Islands, the Majella massif and the Gargano. The terrain is gently rolling and is used predominantly for arable farming and olive groves. The view from the town centre and the agricultural hillsides offer two different perspectives on Cupello: a sweeping geographical vista and a landscape shaped by the way the land is used.

Town History and Buildings

Cupello’s present-day settlement is documented from the 16th century and was formerly known as Villa degli Schiavoni. Archaeological finds and the remains of a Roman villa attest to human settlements dating back to pre-Roman times, associated with transhumance. Transhumance refers to seasonal pastoral migration, the movement between grazing areas over the course of the year. To understand the town’s history, it is worth distinguishing these older traces of settlement from the history of the present-day settlement: the former date back to pre-Roman times, while the latter is documented from the 16th century.

The Church of Madonna del Ponte, also known as the “Chiesa vecchia” (Old Church), was damaged by the bombings of 1943, then demolished and rebuilt in 1956. A wooden statue of the Madonna dating from the 15th century stands in a marble niche inside the church. Every year in Cupello, the anniversary of the bombing is an occasion to remember the town’s wartime experience. The church’s building history, the older statue and the annual commemoration thus represent different aspects of its cultural heritage.

The Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mary has a bronze portal. In the historic centre, Palazzo Erminio Boschetti (“don Ciccio”) is one of the fortified buildings and has a small tower. Its first phase of construction dates back to the 18th century. These buildings offer a range of architectural details: a bronze portal, a small tower and the long history of a church building.

Artichokes, Pasta and Seasonal Events

The Mazzaferrata artichoke is an indigenous variety from Cupello. It derives from Campagnano, a late-ripening variety of the Roman artichoke. A festival is dedicated to the Mazzaferrata artichoke and takes place between late April and early May. This brings together a local product and a seasonal event that can be taken into account when planning a trip.

Another culinary event is the Sagra delle 'Ndrocchie in August. This festival serves fresh pasta made by hand using a ferretto. The two festival seasons are quite distinct: the artichoke festival falls around the transition from April to May, while the pasta festival takes place in August. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Route and Ways to Travel

Route 682, “Tra fiori di pesco e cuori di carciofo nella Valle del Trigno,” can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Its title can be understood as “Among peach blossoms and artichoke hearts in the Trigno Valley.” The route thus names three different ways to travel and evokes, in its title, features of the landscape and local agriculture.

Discover more destinations: Palombaro, Roccascalegna, Filetto, Colledimezzo, Pennapiedimonte, San Martino Sulla Marrucina, Rosello, Casalbordino.

See the broader travel guide: Chieti.