Teramo Audio Tour: An Audio Journey Through History and Sport

As you walk along, the Museo archeologico Francesco Savini will be on your left. You’ll recognize it by its stately, light-colored facade featuring tall, arched windows with ornate grilles. Keep an eye out for the grand wooden door framed by stone, above which there's a small balcony with a wrought-iron railing. There's also a flag with a figure of a statue flapping proudly in the breeze, announcing the museum's name. Now, let’s dive into the story of this fascinating place! The Museo archeologico Francesco Savini, or Archaeology Museum Francesco Savini, is like a time capsule of Teramo’s history. The very building housing the museum has seen quite the transformation itself! Built initially in the 13th century, it became a church and convent in 1613, dedicated to St. Charles. This place of worship even gained the nickname "Chapel of the Conservatory of the Orphans of St. Charles." Fast forward to the 19th century, and the building was juggled from an orphanage to a courthouse! Since 1997, it has been home to the most extensive collection of local ancient artifacts, cataloging items from prehistory to the classical age, and even beyond the 18th century. It really is the centerpiece of Teramo’s historical collection. The ground floor takes you through the Roman times, showcasing amazing things like a Mosaic of the Lion and even a bust of Septimius Severus! Moving up to the first floor, you’ll find treasures from prehistory all the way to the medieval period including artifacts from caves and ancient necropolises. Ever wanted to see terracotta statues from the 1950s? There’s a whole room dedicated to these fascinating pieces! On the top floor, historical documents from the city's past are meticulously preserved, adding another layer to your learning experience. Inside, there's also the San Carlo Auditorium, where the old chapel once was. Today, it’s a cozy spot for all sorts of cultural events like conferences, concerts, and even civil weddings. So as you stand outside, take a deep breath and prepare to step back in time. Enjoy exploring!

As you're approaching the Teramo Cathedral, look to your left. You'll see a grand, sand-colored façade with an impressive archway in the center. The building is flanked by a large, multi-tiered bell tower on the right side, featuring small arched windows and topped with an octagonal lantern. The cathedral’s Gothic and Romanesque style stands out, particularly with its Ghibelline merlons (those distinctive square-cut battlements) lining the top. Now, let's dive into some fun history! The Teramo Cathedral, or Duomo di Teramo, is a glorious testament to more than 800 years of remarkable craftsmanship and ecclesiastical history. Built in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, it was consecrated in 1176. Imagine this: back in 1158, Bishop Guido II had the genius idea to build a new church to house the relics of Saint Berardo after the old one was destroyed. And so, this magnificent structure rose, using stones from a nearby Roman theater and amphitheater. Recycling, medieval-style! In the 14th century, Bishop Niccolò degli Arcioni tweaked its design, giving it a Gothic flair-picture elegant ogival arcades. He even added a new portal in 1332 adorned with stunning Cosmatesque mosaics and flanked by statues of the Angel of the Annunciation and the Virgin Mary. Fast forward to the 18th century, when the church got a Baroque makeover. It was later restored to its medieval glory in the 1930s. Inside, you'll find incredible artworks, including a silver antependium crafted by Nicola da Guardagriele and a majestic polyptych by Jacobello del Fiore. All in all, the Teramo Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a treasure trove of art and history. I hope you're enjoying your visit, and watch out for those lions by the portal-they won’t bite, I promise!

Ah, you’ve made it to the final stop on our tour-the charming Fonte della Noce! 🌳 As you approach, look for a structure that appears nestled into the greenery, with lush ivy climbing up its aged stone walls. It's surrounded by three high walls, forming a "C" shape, and there's a distinct entryway through a low wall, welcoming you in. You'll see the historical structure merging perfectly with nature-the stone and brick constructions hint at its medieval origins. Now, let me bring this enchanting spot to life for you! Fonte della Noce is a historic gem of Teramo, situated within the beautiful natural area of Vezzola River Park, near the city center. This medieval fountain system was originally designed for distributing drinking water, helping the northern area of the city before running water was commonplace in houses. Imagine it back in the day, bustling with locals filling up their jugs or doing their laundry. That's history flowing right there! Named "Della Noce" due to the abundance of walnut trees in the vicinity, the fountain is definitely snuggled into some poetic scenery. These walnut trees, with their leafy embrace, create a refreshing microenvironment. In the Civil Annals of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies from 1835, there’s a recorded restoration of the fountain to preserve its historical significance. And here's a fun tidbit: Queen Giovanna of Trastámara, also known as Joan of Aragon, visited this spot in July 1514. The historian Mutio dè Muzji detailed her visit, sharing how she was utterly charmed by the clear and refreshing waters. So much so that she threw a grand dinner banquet here, complete with musicians and dancers. Imagine the fountain flowing not just with water but entertaining royals! Muzji describes how the city even set up two groves of plants around the fountain to make the atmosphere more delightful and shaded-a temporary leafy pavilion just for the queen. Musicians and dancers, dressed in exotic Moorish attire, provided entertainment from their leafy hideouts, making the scene almost magical. There were even two artificial fountains-one for water and the other gushing red wine. Talk about an unforgettable party! A commemorative plaque with Muzji's description marks this historical event, ensuring that the memory of Queen Joan’s delightful visit stays alive. So, here at Fonte della Noce, you stand amidst centuries of history, from royal banquets and walnut groves to a humble community's everyday life. Take a moment to soak in the serene ambiance of this simple yet captivating historic site. Feel the timeless blend of nature and architectural history embracing you. Thanks for joining me on this tour. Enjoy the rest of your time in Teramo!