Historical Background: Civitella del Tronto lies in the area of the Vibrata Valley, on the borders with the Marche region. It is a small town rich in art and history. Of uncertain origins it has always played an important role for Southern Italy because of its military fortress, wrongly called Bourbon fortress.The fortified cittadella (stronghold) unique in its genre in Abruzzo lies in a wonderful position overlooking the hills below. Many medieval and Renaissance buildings are preserved in the wall-perimeter. The central Via Mazzini and via Roma are enriched by noble houses such as the Palazzo Conte de’Termes, of the 15th century. The fortress overlooks the built up area and was the last bulwark of the Bourbons, on of the biggest in Italy. Because of the many damages due to bombings of several fire-conflicts, it was mostly restored. Among the religious buildings worth a visit are the churches of St. Francesco with a Rosette of the 14th century, a wooden chorus, a silver cross and the church of St. Lorenzo built in the 16 th centuryThe territory of Civitella is included in the nature Reserve Gole del Salinello (Salinello river gorges).Not far away is the hermitage of St. Michele Arcangelo with stalactites and stalagmites caves, Interesting are the ruins of Castel Manfrino built by the illegitimate son of Frederic II, Manfredi.