Houses of the Lombards

In the 15th century, the area of Anversa degli Abruzzi was hit by a strong earthquake that necessitated the reconstruction of numerous damaged buildings. This event encouraged the immigration of Comacine craftsmen from northern Italy, particularly from Lombardy, who settled in Abruzzo to contribute to the reconstruction. The Houses of the Lombards are dwellings built between 1480 and 1520 by these artisans, who arrived in these lands during the post-seismic recovery period. These houses, an uninterrupted series of small palaces overlooking Largo Porta Pazziana, are characterized by distinctive elements of Lombard architecture, such as guard towers, squared portals, and single-light windows. Many of the buildings also resemble Alpine houses, especially due to the presence of gafii, which are the typical balconies of Lombard architecture. Among the private residences in the area, one in particular has preserved a portal with ornaments and symbolic figures, including the serpent, the fish, the sword, and mule shoes, which refer to the cult of Saint Dominic.