San Giacomo (Valle Castellana) - Borders

Borders

San Giacomo is situated on the border of the Italian regions of Abruzzo and Marche. Prior to the formation of the united Italy in 1861, this land served at the point of demarcation between the Kingdom of Two Sicilies and the Vatican State.

One marker stone dated 1847 identifies a boundary, probably first delineated by Ruggiero II in the twelfth century, dividing the holdings of the leaders of Rome with those of the Neapolitans. The remains of several customs checkpoints have also been unearthed nearby. At one point they likely served to control the passage of contraband between these two rival states. These checkpoints in turn were likely built on the remains of a still older Catholic hermitage. German soldiers made use of this area in the latter part of World War II as they fought their losing battles against the local Italian partisan forces.

This mountain area is particularly suited to excursionists who wish to hike the many mountain trails. Some wind down to Colle San Marco while others lead up to an area known as Montagna dei Fiori.

Read more about this topic:  San Giacomo (Valle Castellana)

Famous quotes containing the word borders:

    Love works at the centre,
    Heart-heaving alway;
    Forth speed the strong pulses
    To the borders of day.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)