Discover Tagliacozzo

A beautiful little town  on the northern slopes of the Simbruini Mountains, not far from the Lazio–Abruzzo border. It is a town rich in history and cultural activities and is considered one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.

Tagliacozzo’s history is linked to  two ancient noble families: the Orsini – symbolized by the rose-bearing shield – and the Colonna – with the double-tailed mermaid. These rival families left marks of their power throughout the town, along with other aristocratic emblems. Wandering through the old village, you’ll notice how each building and doorway bears a decorative pediment, reminders of a glorious past.

The most fascinating part begins just beyond the Roman arch, leading into Piazza Obelisco, one of the most harmonious squares in Abruzzo and the historic heart of the town, once called Piazza da’ Piedi. A walk through the alleys of the historic center gives the feeling of stepping back in time.

Notable landmarks include:

• Teatro Talia, a former Benedictine convent transformed into a theater in 1686, featuring a refined façade and three tiers of balconies that can accommodate over 200 guests.
• Palazzo Ducale, a gem of Tagliacozzo’s artistic heritage, built in the early 14th century with further expansion in the late 15th century at the behest of Count Roberto Orsini.
• Chiesa di San Cosmaa and Damiano, the town’s oldest and most historically rich church, dating back to the 8th century in Romanesque style. Once belonging to the Benedictines of Montecassino, it was the center of conflicts between the papacy and the Bishop of Marsi. From 1230 to 1380, it held burial rights. Highlights include its portal, rose window, bell tower, central altar, and remarkable frescoes.

Tagliacozzo is surrounded by the natural beauty and mountain scenery typical of this part of Abruzzo. One curious feature is the local wind phenomenon: during a summer evening in Piazza dell’Obelisco, around 10 p.m., one may feel a sharp and persistent cold breeze. Known as “L’Uscetta”, this wind flows through a rocky crevice (the one that gives the town its name), reminding all that the town lies  750 meters above sea level and surrounded by the rugged, wind-swept landscapes typical of the area.

Church of  San Francesco

The first Franciscan settlement in Tagliacozzo was near the Church of Santa Maria extra Moenia, mentioned in a papal bull by Pasquale II in 1115. Unfortunately, none of the original structure remains, as the church was completely rebuilt and dedicated to San Francesco during the 13th century. The current Church of San Francesco was completed in 1270 and later underwent to sever, thanks to the contributions of both the Orsini and Colonna families.

The cloister was built in the early 17th century, and the church took on Baroque features in the 18th century. Closed in 1809 by Napoleonic decrees and used for municipal services, it was restored in 1960 to its medieval appearance.

The Façade
The church’s façade, featuring a pointed portal and elaborate rose window, overlooks a charming little square. Inspired by Umbrian styles, it is divided into three horizontal sections by ornamental bands with stylized palm leaves and flowers. A series of small pointed arches rest on sculpted corbels depicting rosettes, lilies, angels, human faces, and stars. The masonry consists of rectangular blocks of beautiful pink-hued stone.
The portal resembles styles used elsewhere in Tagliacozzo (e.g., chiesa dell’ Annunziata and chiesa delSoccorso), and can be dated to the second half of the 15th century.

The Rose Window
Above the portal, beyond the mystical lamb,  is set a large rose window, a Gothic masterpiece of architectural sculpture in Abruzzo. It features sixteen polygonal columns converging into a pierced central crown, supporting trilobed arches arranged in two overlapping circles.
The outermost ring features roses (perhaps the Orsini emblem), the second a fishbone braid with lilies, and the third protruding leaf-shaped plates. The three concentric circles are progressively recessed.

The rose window closely resembles that of Santa Maria della Tomba in Sulmona, with differences in arch shape and decoration.
Above the rose window, inside a quatrefoil frame, once stood the Orsini coat of arms, which was chiseled away after the rise of the Colonna family. The gabled top of the façade is generally believed to be a later addition.

The Convent
The convent is built around the quadrangular portico of the cloister. You enter through a portal above which it is painted a Franciscan family tree with twenty branches. The lunettes of the portico are decorated with scenes from the life of St. Francis.
Local historians claim that St. Francis himself may have stayed in Tagliacozzo, and it is likely that Blessed Thomas of Celano took an interest in the foundation of the community near the church of Santa Maria.

The Cloister
The cloister has a slightly trapezoidal plan and is surrounded by a portico with square pillars. The lunettes depict key moments from St. Francis’ life. 
In 1874, the portico wall adjoining the church was bricked up and turned into a dining hall, and two lunettes were replaced with the coat of arms of Tagliacozzo and an allegory of liberal arts and professions.