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Paese piccolo in numero….ma grande nei cuori degli abitanti.
A town small in number…but large in the heart of its inhabitants.

Rapino is a “frazione” (suburb or small surrounding village) in the commune of Teramo in the Abruzzo region of Italy. It sits at the top of an imposing hill about eight miles from the provincial capital, Teramo. To the west can be seen the Gran Sasso, the highest peak in the Apennines and to the east lies a plain leading to the Adriatic Sea. Slightly to the north are the villages of Rocciano, Frondarola and Valle San Giovanni.

The town dates to pre-Roman Empire times and is rather important in that artifacts of the ancient Piceni and Etruscan tribes have been unearthed in this location. These pieces date back to the 4th century A.C. and are now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Chieti.

Rapino has an elongated shape with one road, eventually leading to Teramo, winding through the village center. A lesser road connects the village to the nearby state highway (SS 150). The lack of an efficient means of reaching the SS 150 has served to greatly increase the village’s isolation. In recent years the local townspeople have increased pressure on the provincial authorities to upgrade these important byways. Up until the middle of the 20th century, the two most important economic activities in the area were farming and animal grazing.

Rapino residents are known for their hard work and creativity. Several have constructed private statues of the Madonna in their backyards.

Others have fresh wine tapped right into their own kitchens.

Santo Stefano is the main church of the village. Adjoining the church is a wooden belltower built in an architectural style reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance. Santo Stefano was constructed in medieval times and is perhaps best known for a crucifix dating back to the 1500’s. In records dating back to the 11th century mention is made of a castle existing in this are.

A stroll through this lovely village is quite rewarding and a very pleasant experience.
Rapino offers spectular panoramic views of the sea and the Gran Sasso:

On 23-24 May 1998 the provincial authorities inaugurated a statue honoring local individuals fallen in all of the wars in which Italy has participated.

On 9 October 2007 a meeting of Rapino citizens held at the old schoolhouse. A committee was organized and has since received official recognition by the communal authorities. Initial goals focus on petitioning the commune of Teramo to upgrade the town’s transportation links and recreational facilities. Secondary goals include establishing a website for the village, obtaining funds for restoration work on the Chiesa di San Stefano, establishing a high speed ADSL internet connection, and improving the village’s sanitary services.

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Sponsored by Casale

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