In the summer of 2002 I was fortunate enough to visit France and Italy with my family, and one of our stops was Gagliano Aterno. As we approached through winding mountain roads, the town gradually became visible, with the Castle clearly standing out amongst the other buildings. In the town we were able to view the notable buildings, including the house where my grandfather, Vilfredo Palombella, grew up. We also saw St Martin's Church, and it's aged exterior made the interior of it all the more appreciable, with its statues and newly restored altar with frescoes. Near the castle stands the noted bell tower, whose ring could not be heard due to repairs being made to the bell. We then were able to see the convent which used to house cloistered nuns, and now functions as the town's municipal building, complete with records going back hundreds of years and computers to maintain town business. The Hamilton Club's prescence was strongly felt in the offices, as Gagliano is its "sister city", but the mayor informed us that the building also has an American flag, representative of Gaglianese now residing in the States. Finally, we were able to see the Castle, with drawbridge, moat, and slits in the walls for firing arrows at any intruders. The Castle has now been converted into a hotel, whose most notable guest was Sophia Loren, who stayed there once for her son's wedding. Though now used mostly for commercial purposes, the castle cathedral is still there, and contains many relics along with the body of St Florence. Though the town's most notable features are buildings and memories of the past, there are newly constructed summer villas nearby and a few stores in the town, along with seemingly the most popular hang out for locals, the bar. Visiting the cemetary showed many last names recognizable from various Club functions here at home, and the memories and sites of the town make it a must see for anyone in this region of Italy, especially those with a connection to its heritage.
Christopher Perry
|
