Historical Background: A big centre next to Teramo, from this commune it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view either over the Gran Sasso and the Adriatic sea. Bellante saw a great improvement in its small-medium trading business. The small town was founded in the 12th century and many archaeological finds date back to the pre-Roman age. The first mention to Bellante in written documents goes back to the 12th century. A feud of the Duckes D’Acquaviva, it belonged later to the Riario and Cattaneo families.The old medieval centre lied on the hill Colle della Civita, where still today ruins of the walls are visible. During the 16th century its inhabitants moved the present site. Situated on the northern side of the Tordino valley, Bellante preserves many important monuments, such asthe access town-door which was built in a tower characterized by brackets of the 12th century.There are just a few ruins of the castle. The parish church of S. Maria is worth a visit : the terracotta façade and a portal of 1533 next to the bell-tower. Inside the church is decorated according to the style of the 18th century; it preserves important works of art such as a painting of the Epiphany belonging to the school of Paolo Veronese dated 1793, by Niccolò Monti from Ascoli Piceno. An excellent piece of fine art is the silver processional cross, very likely of Nicola da Gurdiagrele.