| Description: |
Thanks to the several ruins of the area, we can be sure of the Roman origins of the village, probably from a settlement depending on the neighbouring Faleria; the term ‘Penna’ itself, contained in its name, refers to its being located at 672m on a rocky peak; not before some time was the name of the patron saint of the village added. Others believe that the name should be connected with a celtic term which also gave name to the Appenines. However, in the Middle Age some local lords provided the site with a fortification complex, before handing over the authority to rule on behalf of Cardinal Albornoz to the ‘Signoria’ of the Da Varano family. The small village fell later, in the XV centrury, under the authority of Francesco Sforza and finally under the direct rule of the Church.
Most of the medieval city walls can still be seen today, especially the town entrance gates from the XIII and the quadrangle tower from the XV century, as well as some remains of yet another tower originally belonging to the ancient fortress. Inside the tower, an opening leads to a narrow tunnel, at the end of which, so the legend has it, is a golden hatching hen with its chickens.
The town district named ‘Villa Saline’ is known for its hot sulphurous waters rich in sodium bromide and iodine, with excellent qualities for the cure of skin disease. They had been abandoned by the end of the 40’s, but great efforts are currently being made to put them back into use.
Text by Fabio Santilli
Translation by Gianfranco Martorano |