Piane di Collevecchio

At one time the ancient Monastery of Santa Maria was located in a deep hollow known as "Fosso dello Zolfo" (Sulphur Ditch).^{[citation needed]} It must have been constructed on a very steep incline near the Vomano river. A neighborhood in this locality is still known as Santa Maria, referred to by others as San Martino.^{[citation needed]} Over time the forces of erosion have washed away virtually all traces of this small church although some of the elderly residents of Piane di Collevecchio still speak of its presence. From time to time people who happen to be excavating in the area come across traces of the church, these thought to be omens of good luck.^{[citation needed]}

One prominent tradition in this hamlet is linked to memory of Saint Anthony. Groups of young people dress in the historical costumes and go from house to house singing traditional songs. In return, local food delicacies such as sausage, cheese, and eggs are requested.^{[citation needed]}

Another custom involves a game called rutula (the dialect word for ruzzola, meaning to roll). Spheres of wood or rubber (in the past cheese) are placed in the pouch of a sheppard's sling and hurled far through the air. Tournaments dedicated to this pastime are still held and an Italian rutula champion was recently crowned.^{[citation needed]}