Scanno

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club

Scanno is certainly one of the best known towns in the Abruzzo mountains, and has been portrayed by famous photographers such as Cartier-Bresson, Giacomelli and Berengo Gardin. In the evocative context of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, it is an ideal destination both in summer and winter.

The historic centre is unmistakable, with its terraced houses, stairways, arches and views. Don't miss the church of Santa Maria della Valle, with the bell tower of Romanesque forms with a sixteenth-century pinnacle, and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with stucco decoration by Pietro Piazzoli. Numerous ancient and elegant buildings (for example, Palazzo Mosca and Palazzo Tanturri) enhance the narrow streets, which converge in Piazza San Rocco.

As for the nature aspect, Lake Scanno, the largest natural basin in Abruzzo, is ideal for activities such as canoeing and windsurfing, walks and biking excursions, and is the perfect background for photos, thanks to its heart shape. In winter, the ski area of Monte Rotondo and the Godi Pass is a destination for many sports and ski enthusiasts, while in summer, visitors can explore the dense network of trails in the park on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike.

Scanno is rich in traditions: the traditional women's costume is the most famous in Abruzzo and even today the women of the village wear black or turquoise skirts, baggy shirts and colorful jackets closed by rows of silver buttons and the "cappellitto" that protects their heads. At the table, excellence is linked to sheep farming (sheep and lamb meat, sheep cheeses and cured meats) together with some characteristic and tasty desserts, such as Pan dell 'orso and Mostacciuoli.