Capodacqua community remembered after 2016 earthquake

Following the August 24, 2016 earthquake that struck central Italy, Artribune published a tribute to the hamlet of Capodacqua di Arquata del Tronto, written by Christian Caliandro and featuring a firsthand account by restorer Dania Mari. Mari had been working on consolidating two 16th-century frescoes in the octagonal Oratorio della Madonna del Sole, designed by Cola dell'Amatrice, when the earthquake hit. Her narrative vividly portrays the tight-knit community: residents like Luciana, who showed her carved stones; Gina, who brought fried zucchini flowers and insisted she eat; Amato, who brought coffee despite refusals; Felice, a handyman who supervised the restoration; Antonio, keeper of the church's historical documents; Gianluca, quiet but helpful; Bernardina, who talked incessantly; and Don Francesco, the parish priest who wept for his friends. Mari emphasizes the resilience of the Capodacqua people, citing the local saying "Lu capodacquare nun se addomestica" (the Capodacqua person cannot be tamed), and notes that all residents survived, though some lost their homes. The community is determined to rebuild, sharing memories on Facebook. Caliandro frames the earthquake as striking Italy's cultural and spiritual heart, highlighting the need to preserve such communities.