« Carunchio Italy

Carunchio is a small mountain town, in the Chieti Province of Abruzzo. Located 2300 miles above sea level, the town has magnificant views of the Treste River Basin, as well as the Gargano and Maiella Mountain Ranges.

Like many mountain towns in the region, Carunchio dates back to the early Middle Ages and has a rich agricultural history. Today, the town has approximately 850 residents, many of whom are elderly and or/widowed. It is not clear what the future holds for this aging community.  But if Massimo Criscio has his way, Carunchio will be known as a foodie destination, with Palazzo Tour D'Eau at the epicenter. 

Palazzo Tour D'Eau stands at the highest point of Carunchio, near the church of San Giovanni Battista. The palace was built around the turn of the Nineteenth Century, by the French noble family Tour D'Eau. 

Massimo's father (a former Italian diplomat, com wine maker) purchased the property in the 1990s, and spent several years restoring it to it's former grandeur. The palace has 9 guest rooms and houses the Abruzzo Cibus Culinary School and Tours. In the spring and summer, it is also used as an event space for parties and weddings.

Most of the original architechural features of the palace where restore -- including the center courtyard and the corner sentry boxes (see above).  Massimo and his father have also put their mark on the building, including the installation of these gorgeous mosaics in the wine cellar. 

On the palace grounds, this stone sculpture welcomes guests as they arrive.

The tiny village has 4 churches, including La Chiesa Madre S. Giovanni Battista, which is a very short walk from the Palozzo Tour D'Eau.  There is one priest who covers all four churches.

The church and its' bell tower can be seen as one reaches the "summit". (The town is 

*The town was first mentioned in a Papal Bull written in 1173.