Abruzzo is breathtaking.  High snowy mountain peaks and beautiful blue sea with sandy beaches. The region's coastal areas enjoy a mild climate and the mountainous inland area is snow-covered much of the winter and very hot in the summer. 

Due to this hot and cold climate the geographical contrast shares two distinct cuisines: coastal and mountain.  Although both are southern in style, coastal cuisine consists mostly of fish and mountain cuisine of pork, lamb and Porchetta (suckling pig) which is a specialty in the mountainous areas of Abruzzo, as is its prosciutto named Aquila. 

Mozzarella di bufala		Porchetta		Maccheroni alla chitarra

As is characteristic of southern Italian cuisine, pasta is customary here.  Abruzzo's culinary contribution to pasta was the invention of the chitarra, a guitar-like device made of wood and wire that makes thick, square-cut pasta. Because of the area's fine wheat and pure water, some of Italy's best commercial pasta is made in Abruzzo.  Pecorino cheese is another of the region's favorite foods, as is the buffalo milk cheese spiced with chili pepper known as caciocavallo.  The gutsy Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (made from the Montepulciano grape) is one of Abruzzo's most popular export wines, and affordable.

A bit of history

Until 1963, Abruzzo and neighbouring Molise to the south formed one region called ‘Abruzzi’ and you’ll still hear this name used today.   During Napoleonic times the region was split into the provinces of Abruzzo Ulteriore I (now Teramo), Abruzzo Ulteriore II (now L’Aquila ) and Abruzzo Citeriore (Chieti).

The first inhabitants we know of in what is now Abruzzo were the Picenians.  One of the Italic tribes which inhabited the Italian peninsula in pre-Christian times (others included the Equians, Vestinians, Praetutians and Marsians), they were unceremoniously crushed by the military might of Rome in 90BC. 

During World War II it was an active center of the Resistance against the German occupation.  In 1952 it was awarded the Gold Medal to Military Valour by President Luigi Einaudi.

Castles of Abruzzo – Castles are one of the main elements of the regional organization and of the feudal and Renaissance society.

In Abruzzo we can see various types of fortified castles and towers, situated inside urban centres or in strategic positions to defend and guard the region. From the Rocca Calascio fortress, which has a square plan with 4 circular towers, to the Celano castle, which has a rectangular shape and a wide inner court, Abruzzo offers its treasures of military and town planning art to anyone who wants to visit the interior and discover the richness of this region. 

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L’Aquila is the most important city of Abruzzo,  has an archbishopry and is renowned for its University, National Museum of the Abruzzi and the ancient Salvatore Tommasi library and thanks to its historical roots and its monuments still contained within the medieval walls.   The typical chess-boarded structure, with strong differences in height and few level roads, confers the city a picturesque look, enriched with unexpected marvellous panoramic views on the surrounding mountains.

Together with the National Museum of Abruzzo L’Aquila * has also the famous and renowned “Teatro Stabile”, the Academy of Fine Arts and the “Società Aquilana dei Concerti”, which gives significant concert seasons at the Auditorium in the Spanish Fort.

* The National Museum of Abruzzo, The museum is housed in a 16th-century Hispanic fortress.   It contains an archaeology section with prehistoric finds belonging to the Italic peoples, epigraphic and architectural fragments from the Roman towns in Abruzzo; a palaeontologic section that keeps a large skeleton of Elephas Meridionalis found in 1954 near Aquila; a religious art section (paintings and sculptures from the12th century onwards); one devoted to coins and another devoted to contemporary art (works by R. Guttuso, V. Guidi, O. Tamburi and R. Brindisi). Of special note: an important groups of 13th- and 14th-century wooden sculptures and polychrome terra-cottas and some 14th- to 17th-century Flemish paintings. 

As well as the landscapes, L’Aquila boasts noble cultural traditions too, nourished by theatre, music and art events.    Formerly a center for handicraft and agriculture, L'Aquila has nowadays become primarily an administrative center for its large province and partly for the region (regional bodies are divided between L'Aquila and Pescara).  The economy of the town is characterized by chemical, mechanical and farming industries, the production of wine, cereals, saffron and dairy products, traditional delicatessen and craftswork; the nearby mountains also offer facilities for winter sports and excursions. 

There are several churches and monuments of historic and artistic value, the heritage of its rich medieval past, such as the Fountain of the Ninety-Nine Spouts, almost a symbol of the city, the massive 16th-century Spanish castle, which crowns the city's highest point, the Basilica of St. Bernardine, the greatest Renaissance church in Abruzzo, and the Church of Saint Mary in Collemaggio, the most outstanding example of Abruzzi romanesque architecture, where Peter from Morrone was crowned Pope in 1294, leaving to the city the unvaluable gift of the perdonanza, celebrated every 28th August since that time.   

The church's interior was returned to its medieval appearance after restoration work in the '70 that removed the Baroque decorations.   Visible now are various frescos from the XV and XVI centuries, among which the important "Assunzione and Incoronazione della Vergine" (above). 

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Atri

Atri The most important monuments in modern Atri include the late XII century Duomo - the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was built on the remains of an earlier Romanesque church, and the Palazzo Ducale, the palace of the Acquaviva's which is built on the highest point of the town, now the seat of the municipality; the Medieval walls with Porta Macelli and Porta S.Domenico; Museo Capitolare. 

The Cathedral incorporates an impressive 56 meter high campanile, or bell tower, and a very handsome cloister.   

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Chieti lies on a crest along the Pescara river with its unmistakable profile with the high bell tower of San Giustino against the sky, a few km away from the Adriatic Sea, and with the Majella and Gran Sasso in the background.  

It was a Roman town, Teate, and and important medieval centre, that's why walking through the city you see Roman and medieval ruins side by side.  Of special importance is also the Pinacoteca C. Barbella, hosting works of Abruzzese artists, as well as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the richest archeological museum in the region, with, among other, unique works as the Capestrano Warrior, a statue of the 7th century BC, one of the symbols of the region, a wonderful Hercules statue and one of the very few Galba gold coins in the world. 

left: Capestrano Warrior     center: detali of Capestrano Warrior     right: one of the paintings in the Pinacoteca C. Barbella

Sights & Excursions

Cattedrale di S. Giustino, with a fine marble altar, paintings, frescoes, precious wooden furniture and the wonderful bell tower.  The general lines of this church, originally dedicated to St Thomas Apostle, retain the layout defined in the 9th century, after the extensions to the building by Bishop Teodorico (840 AD). The façade and the great portal, reached by an ample staircase, are modern additions echoing the original 14th century style of the outer walls and Pugliese architecture. The elegant bell tower, decorated by central, double mullioned ogival biforium windows, is the work of Bartolomeo di Giacomo (1335), whilst the bell chamber is the work of Antonio da Lodi (1498). 

Chiesa di S. Francesco, with an original XII-century rosewindow and inside paintings by Giovanni Battista Spinelli and Ettore Graziani 
Chiesa di S. Domenico (XVII century) 
Chiesa di S. Chiara 
Chiesa di S. Giovanni Battista, with Venetian paintings of the XVII century 
Chiesa di S. Gaetano, with stucco decorations by Giambattista Gianni 
Pinacoteca C. Barbella 
Museo Archeologico Nazionale 
Parco Nazionale della Maiella 

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Lanciano - Chieti

Main sights

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte ("St. Mary of the Bridge"), built in the 9th century, on the arches of the Diocleziano bridge , on the exact spot where a miraculous statue of the Mother of Our Lord was found.      It was so called because it is built on bridgework along a precipice: is the work of Michitelli (1619) and has some paintings by Pozzulaniello (Giacinto Diana).  It houses also an 8th century Byzantine statue portraying the Madonna, probably brought here during the iconoclast controversy. 

Originally a votive chapel, the church was declared a cathedral in 1576, and over the centuries it expanded, reaching its current proportions during modifications in the last century.  The neo-classical lines of the façade are flanked by the bell tower, facing Piazza Plebiscito. 

The interior, a single nave cadenced by columns, ends in a raised presbytery with a dome roof, below which stands the venerated effigy of Santa Maria del Ponte (Holy Mary of the Bridge), solemnly celebrated on September 8 each year.   The chapel of the Sacrament is set into the right hand wall; other, richly stuccoed, altars and paintings are ordered along the side extensions. The frescoes on the vaults are by Giacinto Diano (17th century).

Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most important architectural sites in Abruzzo. Built in 1227 according to Bourgogne-Cistercian lines, it was updated in 1540 in Baroque style, with the addition of two aisles and stucco decorations (recently stripped off). The main gate is from 1317. 

San Francesco (1258), built over a pre-existing 7th century church. The high altar houses the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle. 

Sant'Agostino (1270). The façade has maintained the original rose window and the gate, while the single nave interior is a Baroque restoration. 

Torri Montanare, a relic of the ancient walls (11th century). They consist in two massive towers, the most recent dating to the 15th century, offering a panoramic view of the area. 
Porta San Biagio (11th century), the only one gate remaining of the nine once existing. 

The Fountain of Civitanova. 

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Guardiagrele - (Chieti)

Guardiagrele is a beautiful little town famous for its copper and wrought iron work that you find displayed in tiny shops around the old town wall.     Hometown of Nicola da Guardiagrele, unsurpassed master of abruzzo jeweller's art, and "capital" of copper and wrought-iron crafts, this centre has also become universally famous as the "noble stone city" in D'Annunzio poem "Trionfo della morte".   When you first arrive, you're welcomed by the sight of the Majella on the horizon, and the hills and calanques around.  Inside the town, wherever you look, traces of a rich past appear from walls and common houses. 

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Sulmona - Aquila

Founded before Rome, Sulmona is rich in history. Sulmona is the birthplace of Ovid, the Roman Poet known as the father of the Latin language.  Located just 90 minutes from Rome, Sulmona has a storied architectural history and is known for its medieval acqueduct which divides the city. 

The city has an abundance of quaint little shops where you can purchase fine leather, jewelry and regional crafts.  It has an array of cafes, restaurants and trattorias that specialize in the rich regional cucina d'Abruzzo.  Sulmona is also known for its confetti, the sugar coated almonds known worldwide.

Easter week in Sulmona is a deeply moving religious experience.  Holy week begins on Palm Sunday and culminates on Easter Sunday with the extraordinary "Madonna che Scappa in Piazza" event, a wonderful opportunity to combine a couple of beautiful days walking with experiencing at first hand ancient Italian traditions. 

The Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona divides the neighborhoods of the old city into seven "borghi". The residence is officially in the "Borgo Santa Maria della Tomba".   Every year during the last week of July, the citizens of Sulmona re-enact a classic Renaissance joust complete with period costumes, food, music, and of course, the actual competition.   Cheer on the "cavallieri" as you marvel at the events from the comfort of the balcony. 

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Scanno - Aquila

Throughout the historical centre small alleys, balconies, flights of stairs are an astonishing maze for visitors to this picturesque village.   Scanno is famed for the gold filigree and the renowned Abruzzese jewel worn by ladies of Scanno.  

 See the women's beautiful costumes, still worn today by many of the local elderly women.   Take time to relax along the shoreline of the beautiful lake, just outside the village. 

Deservedly famous re also the lacework (tombolo) and crotchet work (blankets and tablecloths), as well as the little, hand-made dolls reproducing the female costume decorated in silver and gold threads to the smallest detail.   Other glories of Scanno are the precious filigree creations (crosses, relic holders, jewels) and the traditional "mostaccioli" pastries, made with chocolate, almonds and cooked "mosto" (wine before fermentation is completed). 

The beautiful Museo della Lana (near the Townhall) is a folk museum reconstructing the identity of the town of Scanno and the Valley of the Sagittario river through the tools, the images, the home furniture, the wool working, cheese-making, leatherwork of the people of the area. 

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Teramo is situated near the confluence of the Vezzole torrent with the Tordino River (that's why the Latin name of Interamnia, between rivers), and is a very old city, founded in pre-Roman time, though the general aspect is more recent, due to many XIX-XX century buildings.  

For a long time it was a border place between the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Church State, it acquired a really special identity and, because of the difficult communications with the other parts of the country, it stayed isolated for long periods of time.  The Gran Sasso tunnel recently allowed Teramo to get out of its isolation. 

Founded by the population of Prepuzi.   An important Municipium in Roman times, it rapidly declined after the fall of the Empire and, following Goth and Byzantine domination, became part of the territories of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto.    In 1156 it was put on fire by Norman Count Roberto di Loretello and then rebuilt thanks to Bishop Guido II.    In the XIV and XV centuries it was plagued by feuds between local families which finally ended under the Aragonese dominion. It was united with Italy in 1860.   After that it shared the fortunes of the Kingdom of Naples. 

Two great monuments, not far away from each other, are almost the symbols of the town and its history: the majestic Cathedral, built in 1158 by Guido II, and the Roman theatre, built about 30 B.C., where still today sports and cultural events take place. 

The summer calendar of events is very rich with for example the Teramo Literary Prize and the Interamnia Handball Cup, an international event with athletes coming from all over the world.   The economy of the town is mostly based on activities connected with agriculture and commerce, as well as a sound industrial sector: textiles, foods, engineering, building materials and ceramics. 

Sights & Excursions
• Cathedral (12th-14th century) with inside a frontal by Nicola da Guardiagrele and 15th century polyptych. 
• Remains of the Roman Amphitheatre and theatre (3rd-9th century), which could accomodate over three thousand people. 
• Church of San Getulio, built in the early Middle Ages on the ruins of a Roman temple, finally destroyed in 1155 by the Normans; today only the presbyterium and some Romanesque elements can steill be seen of the old Pretorotecture. 
• Church of Sant'Antonio (13th century), previously San Francesco, with its fine Romanesque portal 

• Church of Madonna delle Grazie (dating back to the 11th century) 
• Church of San Domenico (14th century) with a fine Virgin with Child, probably by Gagliardelli 
• Archeological Museum with surrounding park 
• Chiesa di S. Agostino 
• Chiesa di S. Spirito 
• Chiesa di S. Benedetto, with fine paintings of the XVI-XVIII centuries 
• Casa Melatino 
• Palazzo Delfico 
• Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie with a remarkable sculpture of the Virgin with child, probably by Silvestro dell'Aquila 

Festivities
Late June: Feast of Madonna delle Grazie 
Late July: "I Trionfi", a historical re-enactment with people in costume and allegorical waggons 
Late July: Sagra of ham, cheese and "casereccio" bread

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Castelli - Teramo

With its view of the Paretone (Great Wall) of the Big Horn, Castelli is situated at the foot of the northern face of Monte Camicia. In spite of its wild mountain scenery, this centre is situated at a moderate height, and is surrounded by an agricultural countryside dotted with farmhouses.

It was the presence of the erosion furrows and the clay, together with the water to knead it, and the wood to keep the kilns burning, that first attracted a community of Benedictine monks from San Vincenzo al Volturno to Castelli in the early middle ages.

The monks founded the abbey of S.Salvatore, and started to produce the pottery that was to make Castelli famous all over Italy.  The most prolific period of production of this refined, artistic pottery, which was well know in all the courts of Europe, was from the 15th to the 16th centuries. 

The school of Grue, Fuina, Gentili and Cappelletti produced plates, jugs, tiles and other objects of outstanding beauty.   In the former Franciscan convent, the Pottery Museum allows you to get an idea of the history of this form of art.  The nearby church of S. Donato offers a rare example of a more popular version of ceramic art, with its tiled ceiling. 

The Museum and S. Donato are not, however, the only items of interest at Castelli.   Do not miss a visit to the workshop, where artistic ceramics are still today produced. 

These are only a few of the places to explore and sights to discover.  The rest we leave to you because that is half the fun of visiting Abruzzo and Pratola - being the adventurer and discoverer yourself!!