Village of Civitaretenga

The village of Civitaretenga developed on the top of the hill, around the ruins of the original village, preserving the imprint of the typical tower houses. In the historical centre, Via Guidea, formerly called Via Giudea, is of particular interest, bearing witness to the presence of a small Jewish ghetto from the 13th to the 16th century. This covered street, characterised by a sequence of arches supporting the houses above, leads to the heart of the old Jewish quarter, to Piazza Giudea. The locals call it “ju buch” (the hole) because of its narrow shape, and along the way was the synagogue, still a fascinating place today.

Inside the village is the Church of Sant'Egidio, which preserves medieval frescoes of considerable interest. Just outside the centre stands the monastic complex of Sant'Antonio, characterised by a charming 12th-century cloister and the adjoining church dating from around 1480. At the foot of the village is the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (16th century), built at a strategic point at the crossroads of two ancient sheep-tracks, testifying to the link between religious life and the shepherds' routes.