Arsita - A lovely town in Abruzzo Italy
Until 1905 Arsita went by the name Bacucco, this name perhaps coming from a castle that once stood there and belonged to a count from the city of Chieti. This edifice later passed into the hands of the monks of Montecassino and finally to the Casa d’Este. Other historians claim that Bacucco took its name from the Roman word for the god Bacchus.
In the 12th century the town was a possession of the ruling Acquaviva family. In 1806 the town came under the rule of the town of Penne. Druing the Napoleonic period a good number of brigands held the territory in and around Arsita. A series of skirmishes occured during this period.
Arsita is a pleasant town with much to offer the visitor who happens to be passing that way. In the early 1800’s the waters from a spring in this area were said to have healing powers. Today’s tourists will surely want to visit the castle ruins, the Chiesa Santa Vittoria (Church of Saint Victoria), the Chiesa di Santa Maria D’Aragona known for an exquisite stature of the Madonna and Child, a watermill owned and operated by the Di Francesco family, and a modern rock climbing facility.
Each year on the 17th of January, the residents of Arsita, in collaboration with the towns of Cermignano, Tossicia, and Bisenti celebrate the Feast of Saint Antonio Abate. Another festival features the townsfolk dressed up in costumes representing the 12 months of the year.
The village has a Pro Loco Association where more information can be found.
One extended family living in and around the town of Arsita are the prominent Di Marcantonio’s.
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