Historical Background: The village is situated in the high Vomano valley, not far away from the Gran Sasso massif. Besides agriculture, Montorio al Vomano bases its economy on trade and small industry. The village has typical medieval characteristics. This settlement was well known during Roman Times who founded several castra in this area. The name Montorio comes from Monte Aurum. During the 18th century the inhabitants starterd to build the imposing fortress of St. Carlo, but it was never ended. The old centre on a hill overlooking the Vomano Valley still preserves architectonic elements of the 15th and 17th centuries. There are also several interesting monuments: the church of St. Rocco, with portals of the 16 th – 17th centuries and fine Baroque wooden altars, splendid altar-hangings of the 18th century and and an interesting painting of the Resurrection by Vincenzo Pagani. The church of Immaculate Conception or Zoccolanti preserves beautiful stucco works by Carlo Piazzoli; the church of St. Filippo Neri preserves fine stuccos too, while the church of St. Antonio da Padova has a wonderful decorated water stoup of the Renaissance. In a hidden corner lies the church of the Cappuccini with a wooden main altar of the 17th century.