Very saddened to hear news of the earthquake which hit central Italy around 3:30 am this morning, August 24, leaving the small town of Amatrice, about 100 miles northeast of Rome, devastated.
“The town is no more,” said Mayor Sergio Pirozzi.
At the time of this writing, at least 73 people are dead and dozens more are missing. Along with Amatrice, the town of Accumoli — both in Lazio — are the hardest hit.
Although small, with a population of less than 3,000 people, artifacts show that Amatrice has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and remnants of ancient Roman buildings and tombs have also been discovered.
You may recognize the town name hidden within one of Rome’s more notable regional dishes — pasta all’amatriciana — and in fact, popular belief is that many Popes across the centuries had cooks who hailed from Amatrice.
Amatrice has had quite a history, being a part of the Kingdom of Naples in the 1200s, and later being held by both the Orsini and Medici families. In 1639, the town was devastated by an earthquake. After the unification of Italy in the late 1800s, Amatrice became part of Abruzzo until finally being annexed to Lazio in 1927.
Prayers to all affected by this destruction.
If you’re in Italy and need help, you can contact Civil Protection at 800 840 840 or the Operative point for the Lazio Civil Protection at 803 555. Thank you Discover Tuscany for posting this information on your Facebook page.
To donate to the Italian Red Cross, click here.
AP Images Blog: Aerial Photos Show Town in Italy Reduced to Rubble
New York Times: Italian Towns Before and After the Earthquake
Prayers & Piazzas 
Thank you Stacy…
❤ ❤ ❤
Reblogged this on Make Italy Yours.
Great Post Stacy,
Hello everyone! We all find ourselves here because we have one major thing in common – we love Italy and everything it has offered us on our various journeys.
I would like to make a shout out to all of you here, if you were interested in creating a small site called Travel Bloggers Italy Supporting Amatrice and set up a donation link – people can make an offer for one of our many photos (we could all put 5-10 pics depending on who wants to get involved) and they are provided with a digital copy and ALL proceeds go to a charity/association currently helping with the relief efforts.
Would love to hear thoughts,ideas and anybody with a bit experience on setting such a thing would be great! A thought and/or prayer go to all those currently suffering.
Wal, I just responded to your FB post too. I think this is a fantastic idea and I would love to be a part of it. I don’t know how to set it up, but would be happy to contribute photos. Hope you and your family/friends are all ok. Such a tragedy. 😦
Life can change in seconds. Prayers for Italy.
Preghiamo 🙏
♡♡♡
We managed to survive this one intact, Stacy. But the house was rocking & rolling last night, and at 4am we were out to check on our neighbours.
So so sad for all those that have suffered such great losses.
Amatrice is just over an hour’s drive from us, and we know the area well. The hospitals are calling for blood, and the communes are asking for food,water & blankets.
So at least we can do something to help. Many thanks for all your prayers. xxx
I’m glad to hear you are ok. How terrifying. I will be following the news closely.
Have you heard anything from our Italian family ? This is so tragic.
They are all well, thankfully.
Isn’t it just horrible! Many prayers…