Capestrano: A long story of Saints and Warriors.

I invite you to visit Capestrano like almost no one else, to explore with me one of the most characteristic village in Abruzzo and  learn about the history of this Borgo and how it is that Capestrano is twin town to Budapest and why a famous mission in California is named Capistrano.

All of this started in 1386 when a baby named John was born here in my hometown, Capestrano. His father was a german baron while his mother was a lady from Abruzzo. That baby became, after an adventurous life, befriend with San Bernardino da Siena and contributed in 1456, aged 70, to stop the invasion of Maometto II in Belgrado. He became later well known as Saint John from Capestrano. He was very attached to his homeland and at death's door requested his brothers to bring back his books to his native village: Capestrano.

A short walk through the historic streets of the Borgo will bring  you to Saint John's house dating back to XIV century. Moreover we'll visit Sanit John's convent with its fabulous manuscripts. An unforgettable experience! Then the Castle Piccolomini, once belonged to the Medici family, will offer us a spectacular view on the Tirino valley.

But we won't forget to get acquainted to another famous warrior: the Capestrano's Warrior. It is considered the symbol of Abruzzo. The story of its discovering is almost as legendary as King Nevio Pompuledio which it represent.

In the afternoon, after a delicious light lunch based on local products, we'll go visit the church of San Pietro ad Oratorium and we'll try to decipher the mysterious words in-scripted in the stone. Finally, before going back home,  we'll have a break into nature admiring the clear waters of the Tirino river.