Description
The Tower of Saint Iona in the town of Ovindoli Saint Iona tower was erected in XIII century by the Count of Celano and was initially a watchtower, therefore it was isolated from the village. Later on, the village expanded and included the tower which became a linking point between the Castle of Saint Potito and the Castle of Celano. The tower has a round base and is composed of two parts: the lower one is 7 metres high, with a diameter of 3,30 mt and was originally used as a warehouse and cystern. It was divided in two spaces, in fact the housing of the beams are still visible in the intermediate floor. The upper part has an octogonal base and was used from the guard-house. The entrance was through a wooden ladder on the Southern part of the tower, towards the river Fucino. Just beneath the ladder, was a wooden bridge. The upper part is 13,35 mt high and it was built with squared white rocks. It is possible that the height of the tower was modified later on or that it was crenellated. In 1915 an earthquake and the war might have probably damaged it.
Responsibility
The Municipality of Ovindoli Tel +39 0863.706100 together with theL'Aquila board of the ministry of cultural heritage and environmental conservation Tel +39 0862 4874235
Role
Due to emigration flows, nowadays the village of Ovindoli is not very populated, therefore the tower of Saint Iona is little known and almost abandoned. However, the village (and the tower itself) preserve the ancient architectonic structure and the renewed interest for a better quality of life has recently pushed tourists to visit this cultural value. Local importance
Potential usability
It is necessary to further develop the potential of the cultural value, which is not enough appreciated by local people and by tourists. For instance, restoration works could be started in order to bring the tower back to its ancient artistic beauty.
HOW TO DO IT
HOW TO DO IT
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