Atri

Atri stands on a hill above the Adriatic slopes of Abruzzo, with views towards the sea and the Apennines. Its cathedral and ducal palace dominate the old town. The cathedral's choir contains frescoes by Andrea de Litio, whose paintings helped make Atri an important centre of Renaissance art in the region. Their scenes fill the walls of the choir behind the altar.

In 1395 the town was sold to Antonio Acquaviva and remained in his family's hands until 1760. The dukes strengthened their palace and patronized artists, including Andrea de Litio. Their chapel in the cathedral, ordered by Isabella Piccolomini in 1503, joined the family's memory to the religious life of the town. Atri eventually returned to direct rule by the king of Naples.