Description of the attraction
Ortona is an ideal destination for those interested in history and archeology. Like many of the surrounding towns in the province of Chieti, Ortona boasts a wealth of medieval monuments. But it is also the site of the famous Battle of Ortona during the Second World War. That battle was one of the most important battles of the Second World War and one of the most terrible in the history of mankind - Winston Churchill called it "Little Stalingrad". Those who want to know the details of the hostilities should definitely visit the Museum of the Battle of Orton, which is entirely dedicated to the sad episode.
The medieval monuments of Ortona are no less interesting, for example, the churches of San Tom Apostolo, Santa Maria da Constantinople, Santa Maria dell Olivastro, Santa Caterina, Santissima Trinita and San Rocco. The Aragonese castle, as well as three local monasteries, also enjoy constant attention of tourists. Not far from the city is the Abruzzo National Park.
Ortona herself was probably founded by the Italic tribes. In 2005, during archaeological excavations near the castle, a Bronze Age settlement was discovered. It was around this settlement in the era of Ancient Rome that the city grew. For several centuries, Ortona remained part of the Roman Empire until it was annexed to the Lombard kingdom. And in 803, the Franks, who captured the city, made it part of the County of Chieti.
In the first half of the 15th century, the powerful defensive walls of Ortona were erected, since at that time the city was in a state of conflict with neighboring Lanciano. And in the middle of the same 15th century, the port of Ortona was destroyed by the Venetians. After joining the united Italy in 1860, Ortona became one of the first resorts on the Adriatic coast.
