Bugnara

Name origins

Although no one knows for certain the origins of the name Bugnara, one hypothesis derives the term from "Bonae Ara", indicating an altar dedicated to the good mother goddess Bona or Ceres. This is supported by the fact that a pagan temple once stood where the Madonna della Neve church now stands. The temple's Roman flooring is still visible today in a herringbone pattern or Opus spicatum. A carving found at the site has decorations showing priestesses undertaking a rite.

Another hypothesis is that Bugnara comes from "Vignae Ara", thanks to the cultivation of vines around the village.

History

The earliest documented evidence of Bugnara dates to the 6th century, although archaeological finds show that the settlement was inhabited much earlier. In the year 1000 AD, the Madonna della Neve church was built. In 1079 the borgo (fortified settlement) became the fiefdom of Simone di Sangro. It remained with the Sangro family until the extinction of their line in 1759 with Vittoria Mariconda di Sangro. In the 11th century, the ducal palace or Palazzo Ducale was built by the Sangro family. They also rebuilt the Madonna della Neve church in 1361. The Sangros' power spread into the neighbouring settlements of Anversa degli Abruzzi, Frattura, Chiarana, but they didn't succeed in holding these territories.

In 1442, a feudal tribute called the Regia Dogana della Mena delle Pecore di Foggia was imposed. This had a major impact on Bugnara, given that it was dependent on agriculture.

In 1706, 1933 and 1984, Bugnara was hit by major earthquakes. In particular, the 1984 earthquake affected the village, and the historic churches of Bugnara were inaccessible for a long time afterwards.

In 1891, a train line and station were built by Bugnara. The tall rail bridge over the Sagittario was blown up during World War II, since it was seen as a link to Rome. The bridge was later reconstructed.

In 1974, an important historic and artistic artefact was rediscovered: the 13th-century sculpture of the Virgin and Child called the Madonna delle Concanelle from the Madonna della Neve church. It is now conserved in the National Museum of Abruzzo which is housed in the Forte Spagnolo in L'Aquila.

Urban layout

The village takes the triangular format typical of the Mediaeval period. The houses, built entirely in stone, were constructed one against the other. Narrow streets climb toward the top of the village, where the castle sits. Around the village are tratturi, pastoral routes for the migration of sheep between summer and winter pastures. These would have been heavily used in times gone by.