The Orsini-Colonna Castle in the centre of Avezzano (province of L’Aquila) is a symbol of the town, one of the few historical buildings to have survived earthquakes and two world wars.
Built in 1490 by Virgilio Orsini over a tower erected in 1181 by Gentile di Palearia (or Pagliara), and later expanded and transformed into a fortified palace by Marcantonio Colonna II, victor of the battle of Lepanto. The imposing yet elegant structure has a quadrangular layout and its defensive purpose can still be seen in the high inclined base of the walls, in the reinforced corners of the four round towers with cannons and the wide moat (today empty of water).
The premises inside, now emptied of the original furnishings, are currently used as an auditorium and as exhibitions halls for contemporary arts shows.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
