What is the mythological origin of Atina?

According to mythological tradition, Atina is said to have been founded by Saturn who, dethroned by Zeus, took refuge on Italic soil, reigning in a “Golden Age”.

What is the ancient history of Atina before the Roman period?

Atina was in the 6th-5th centuries BC under Volscian influence; in the 4th century BC it came under Samnite control. In 293 BC, the Romans devastated the ager atinatis and incorporated the city into the Roman state.

How did Atina develop in the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages, Atina grew towards the esplanade of San Marco and the hill of Santo Stefano, was surrounded by walls and towers, and built churches such as Santa Maria Assunta. In the 14th century it became a possession of the Cantelmo family, then passed under the Gallio family in 1595.

What are the main historical and artistic places to visit in Atina?

Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the residences of the Visocchi and Fasoli families, the Palazzo Prepositurale, the former Convent of San Francesco, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria, the Museo Civico Archeologico and Roman remains scattered throughout the village.

What significant changes took place over the centuries under the rule of the Gallio family?

Under the Gallio family, which acquired the seigniory in 1595, Atina experienced a period of political stability, with the construction of many stately palaces, churches, and infrastructures such as the Sferracavalli road, the paper mill, the Royal Ironworks and the cemetery.

Atina

Atina: what to see and do in the most elegant village in the Comino Valley

A strategically located town in the Comino Valley

The village of Atina is situated on a hilltop Comino Valley, its location has always been ideal for controlling key transport routes.

The origins of Atina are lost in the mists of time. According to mythological tradition, the city’s foundation is attributed to Saturn, god of Olympus, who, having been dethroned by his son Zeus, took refuge in Italy: here he reigned for a long time, sharing power with Janus and ushering in a fabulous “Golden Age”.

According to 19th-century tradition, however, he founded five cities that all begin with the letter ”A’ and are characterised by the presence of imposing defensive fortifications. Even today, in Atina Please note Saturn: in the town’s coat of arms, in the name of a cave and in the name of the main square. It was so powerful over the centuries that Virgil described it in the *Aeneid* as one of the cities that forged weapons for the impending war between the Latins and Aeneas.

The Power of Atina Through the Ages

From the 6th–5th centuries BC, a Volscian presence is presumed, whilst in the 4th century the settlement was certainly under Samnite control. Due to its strategic position and the nearby iron, silver and copper mines in the Meta and Mainarde mountain ranges, it came within the sphere of Roman interest; in 293 BC, Roman forces ravaged the’Ager Atinatis and incorporated the town into the Roman state. Atina was made a praetorian town and, later, a thriving Roman “municipium” capable of accommodating the villas of wealthy noble families.

One of these is the source of the large black-and-white mosaic now preserved in the main hall of the Cantelmo Palace.

The birthplace of many famous figures – so much so that, according to Cicero no city in Italy could claim to be richer – Atina It was adorned with a forum, an amphitheatre, an aqueduct and a number of important palaces and temples.

Literary sources record that it was destroyed in 589 AD by the Lombard duke Zotone.

Atina in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, the town’s history became intertwined with that of the Duchy of Benevento. From the 11th century onwards, the town expanded towards the “Spianata di San Marco” and up the hill of Santo Stefano. The settlement was protected by defensive walls and watchtowers. In addition, the church of Santa Maria Assunta and new places of worship were built. Despite belonging to the duchy, Atina retained a degree of autonomy, guaranteed by its own governors. This paved the way for a period of considerable prosperity. However, the town experienced a period of instability amid power struggles between the various feudal lords. In 1348, it became a possession of the Duchy of Alvito, ruled by the Cantelmo family, who began construction of the ducal palace.

Subsequently, in 1595, following the Gallio family’s purchase of the Duchy of Alvito, Atina enjoyed a period of political stability. This period was marked by the construction of numerous stately homes and churches. Following the abolition of feudalism, the town continued to be the hub of economic development in the valley. The Sferracavalli road and the paper mill were built, and the Royal Ironworks and the cemetery were established.

What to see in Athens

The modern town, which has a characteristic pointed layout and extends in concentric circles around the Ducal Palace, is characterised by architectural features, almost all of which are situated along the frontage of the palace itself. Among these features are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the residences of the Visocchi and Fasoli families, and the Propriety Palace. Within the surrounding residential area stand the former convent of San Francesco, the collegiate church of Santa Maria, the Civic Archaeological Museum and numerous Roman ruins.