here is very little information about the origins of the
first built-up nucleus of the present Rocca di Cambio. However there is a vague
hypothesis, passed down from generation to generation and confirmed by Febonio, that it
was of vestine origin, and identifiable with the ancient "Oppidium Frusteno".
The name "Rocca di Cambio" probably derives from the name of the mountain that
overlooks it: ie Rocca de Cagno, as it appears in several ancient manuscripts. There is
also very little information regarding the community of Rocca di Cambio during the early
Middle Ages. It is believed that the castle was built at the same time as the construction
of the castle of Rocca di Mezzo around the mid-1200's, by request of the Swabian Emperor
Corrado IV, the son of Federico II.The first certain information is of the year 1253 when Rocca di Cambio appears as one of the founding
Castles of the city of L’Aquila.In 1268 Carlo I d’Angiņ takes sides with Rocca di Mezzo against Corradino.
In 1270 while it was part of the area of L’Aquila, it was entrusted as feud of Pietro Alamano.
In 1294 his land, by request of Pope Celestino V, became part of the land belonging to L’Aquila, with ample privilege, a special honour of King Carlo d’Angiņ.
In 1313 the Church of S.Lucia, outside the town, is written in the assessment of properties.
In 1374 by diploma of Queen Giovanna it is ordered that there be boundaries marked between Rocca di Mezzo and Rocca di Cambio.
In 1423 Rocca di Cambio is occupied by Braccio da Montone.
In 1483
the King gives the honour of reintegration of Rocca di Cambio and Rocca di Mezzo to the
Captain of L’Aquila.In 1496 the Duke of Amalfi and the Count of Popoli arrive on the tableland and occupy Rocca di Cambio by plunder.
In 1553 the owner of this castle was Tristano d’Urrea d’Aragona.
In 1556 it is property of Maria Medina d’Urrea.
In 1564 the baron of Rocca di Cambio is Camillo Antonelli of L’Aquila.
In 1565 the Churches of S.Lucia and of S. Pietro are transferred to the Antonelli family.
In 1556 Camillo Antonelli dies and his brother,Marino, succeeds him.
In 1620 Rocca di Cambio belongs to the Colonna’s from the branch of Princes of Gallicano.
In 1658 at the death of Pompeo Colonna, because he did not have heirs, his property among which was Rocca di Cambio becomes property of the Court.
In 1663 it is the possession of Barberini.
In 1814 Rocca di Cambio belongs to the surrounding S.Demetrio.
In 1895 it re-acquires autonomy.