Abruzzo

These are wooden constructions similar to pile-dwellings, connected to the coast by a footbridge on which nets were installed in the past: real fishing machines anchored to the rocks, and able to withstand even the most violent of gales.

In Abruzzo, the Apennines show their “dolomitic” side, the mountains are imposing, rugged rock that lends itself to the passion of climbers, and the routes are varied and endless. When you get up there, your gaze is free to sweep from the mountains to the plateaus to the sea. The Gran Sasso massif, on the eastern ridge of the Abruzzo Apennines, consists of limestone rock, which is among the most suitable for sports climbing and bouldering. The panorama is varied and the climbing routes draw a dense map. The climbing world includes the Brizio and Ventricini via ferrata, the Sentiero del Centenario and the Ferrata Danesi, the routes on Corno Grande and Corno Piccolo and numerous other routes.

What if we told you that organizing a tour of Abruzzo is a great idea in any season of the year? Leaving the coast behind heading inwards to Abruzzo, an area of ​​wild beauty stretches out, a rugged and fascinating territory that deserves to be explored. A bus tour of Abruzzo makes for an unforgettable trip. Taking you on an exploratory journey along the area between the Majella Park and the Abruzzo National Park, passing through the highlands of the Cinque Miglia Plateau and the Quarto Grande. You’ll find yourself immersed in a fantastic wilderness that radiates beautiful energy, coming across mountain villages full of charm. Roccaraso, Rivisondoli e Pescocostanzo are some places in Abruzzo that worth stopping by. Let’s go.

An itinerary of undisputed charm, a journey through the historical, cultural and natural beauty of the magnificent territory of the Central Apennines. Traveling slowly through the hills and valleys of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, and the Majella Park with its mystical hermitages, touching some of the most beautiful ancient villages in Italy, the Railway of the Parks is the ideal itinerary for those in search of new experiences and emotions. Considered the most scenic rail route in the boot, the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy or Railway of the Parks will lead you through medieval villages, unspoiled nature and beautiful landscapes in motion. The railway stands out for its touristic value and for its technical characteristics: touching slopes of 28% in some parts of its path, it is considered a masterpiece of railway engineering. The ancient Sulmona-Isernia section reaches a length of about 128 km. Along the way, the carriages cross scenic bridges and viaducts and pass through 58 tunnels, the longest of which, under Mount Pagano, measures 3109 meters. It departs from Sulmona between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. with a same-day return trip. Depending on the season, the train stops at some destinations rather than others, know that any time of year is perfect to make this trip because the destinations are all enchanting and of equal beauty. Campo di Giove, Palena, Rivisondoli-Pescocostanzo, Castel di Sangro, Roccaraso, are some of the places touched by the train on its journey through the Abruzzo National Park and the Majella National Park, hence the name of the Parks Railway.

It is located at an altitude of 1236 metres, between the Maiella Park and the Abruzzo National Park: these are magnificent landscapes, which become even more impressive in the snow. The Alto Sangro district offers a multitude of winter sports, in addition to classic downhill skiing, and excellent gastronomic delights. Director Paolo Sorrentino set some scenes of his film The Hand of God right here. Trust him and equally the many Romans who choose this town for their winter holidays. You have at least five good reasons to plan a weekend in the snow in Roccaraso, the pearl of mountainous Abruzzo.

The Teramano Coast, the longest riviera in the Region of Abruzzo, is an oasis of art, relaxation, and natural beauty fronting the Adriatic Sea. Just imagine miles upon miles of golden, sandy beaches, equipped for every want and need, and you have the idea.

Among the finest garlic ecotypes in Italy, it differs from other ecotypes in size and colour. Small and slightly spicy, it has an intense aroma and is included in the list of “Prodotti agroalimentari tradizionali italiani (PAT)” (traditional Italian food products) of Abruzzo. We’re talking about Red Garlic from Sulmona. The tunics of this garlic, as the membranes covering the cloves are called, are purple in colour, and it perfectly flavours any dish, enhancing its taste without overpowering it.

A typical regional dish, Abbruzzo’s arrosticini are a delicacy that has crossed national borders to become world famous. This a product that is linked to the pastoral tradition and that evokes all the romance of transhumance. Prepared with sheep meat (as well as other types of meat), the recipe has changed over time, but one thing remains the same: arrosticini are eaten with the hands.

A journey through one of the most beautiful and pristine natural areas of Italy: the highlands of saffron, where the small red flowers turn purple in autumn, painting the fields and creating a unique panorama. The area of cultivation and production of this spice extend through the province of L’Aquila. An area surrounded by greenery and dotted with villages, across from the Regional Sirente Park and bordered on the north by the National Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga mountains, and on the south by the National Park of Maiella.

Known and appreciated for centuries, the Abruzzo Truffle is part of Italy’s Traditional Food Products (PAT) because it is typical of the region. The environmental variety of the area, stretching through sea, hills and mountains, makes much of the terrain ideal for the spontaneous formation of many types of truffles. Let's see where it is produced and how to enjoy it.

The north and center of the country have so many traditional Christmas treats, ready to add to the dinner table. It's lovely to experience the feeling of anticipation of Christmas. Walking by pastry shops windows in a city center, seeing people leaving their neighborhood bakeries with trays full of sweet delicacies retracing the steps of many families before them, enjoying traditional recipes from generation to generation. Here are some of the traditional desserts and treats from northern to central Italy not to be missed this Christmas of 2022.

The Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo was established in 1923 to protect nature and to save certain wild animals from extinction. It’s in the heart of the central Apennines between the Abruzzi, Lazio and Molise and its some 50,000 hectares are home to 25 towns. The scenery here is characterized by mountain chains, karst phenomena, rivers (including the Sangro River) and streams. It’s the ideal place to spend pleasant days in close contact with nature and to admire uncontaminated landscapes, rich flora and varied fauna. It is here that certain species such as the Marsican brown bear (40 bears), golden eagle, Apennine wolf, deer, otter and chamois have found refuge and their habitat amongst remote valleys and inaccessible mountains.

While romantics are enchanted by its heart shape, sportspeople and nature lovers are drawn to its rugged and undeniably enchanting side: Lago di Scanno is the most spectacular and most visited body of water in Abruzzo.

A majestic display, fed by the perennial waters that cascade through three 40, 90 and 30 metre drops to a height of over 200 metres before flowing into the Sangro river below. You will find yourself immersed in the 287 hectares of the Rio Verde Regional Nature Reserve, where the location of the natural waterfalls and the microclimate created around them represent a unique botanical heritage due to the development and coexistence of mountain species with typical Mediterranean elements.

Created in the 1940s by flooding a vast marshy area to power the turbines of a hydroelectric power plant, this artificial lake covers a vast area of 1,400 hectares, with a perimeter of 42 kilometres and an average depth of 13 metres. At 1,313 metres above sea level, Lake Campotosto is surrounded by rich, lush vegetation with spectacular meadows and woods that take on endless shades of colours. This makes it the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts, who flock there every year to enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and cycling. The lake’s picturesque scenery and nature is protected thanks to the State Nature Reserve, which is part of the larger Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

"Wolves are free: they bow to the laws of the pack, but when there is no more room among their brothers they embrace the solitary life and go in search of new spaces". So wrote Carlo Grande in his book The Way of the Wolves. It is not only a beautiful story to read, but also an adventure to experience: the Via dei Lupi ("Way of the Wolves") is a path of knowledge and immersion in the nature of the Central Apennines.

Over the centuries, fortifications, places of worship, castles and hermitages were built all over Italy. Many of these, despite the passing of time, have come down to the present day in excellent condition, testifying to the eras and dominations of the past. They can be enjoyed in various ways, from a simple visit to longer stays.

Abruzzo is one of Italy’s most bike friendly regions, brimming with cycle paths and routes to discover on your road or mountain bike, through beaches, protected nature, small villages, castles and abbeys. All of Abruzzo's seaside resorts are connected by a cycle path that makes it very easy to explore the area, travelling from one municipality by simply hopping on your bike. What if we told you that you could ride your bike along the entire Abruzzo coast? It’s true! All thanks to Bike To Coast Abruzzo, a 131-kilometre-long cycle path that starts in Martinsicuro, in the province of Teramo on the border with the Le Marche province of Ascoli Piceno, and reaches as far as San Salvo, on the border with Molise. This extensive route, which you can tackle in stages or even in one go for the more experienced cyclists, runs along the Green Adriatic Corridor through 19 municipalities and some of Italy's most beautiful beaches. Among clean beaches and shallow waters, shaded pine forests and medieval villages, are you ready to discover the wonders of Abruzzo on two wheels?

Abruzzo, mountainous and park-covered terrain, boasts numerous ski resorts where visitors can have a blast practicing their favorite winter sports. The mountains of Abruzzo offer fantastic snowfall during the coldest and most rigid weather, and thus are ideal for a large smattering of outfits and installations - including those that work to maintain a layer of snow cover, sometimes with artificial snow. The ski zone in Abruzzo counts about 249 mi of slopes, from the most famous of Campo Felice, Ovindoli and Roccaraso, to those composing the legendary ski hubs of the Gran Sasso, including Campo Imperatore, Pescasseroli, Tagliacozzo and Passo Lanciano. The area’s vicinity to Rome (most of the localities lie less than two hours from the Italian Capital), the intense natural beauty (it is possible to ski in four national parks), and the hospitality of its inhabitants have made skiing Abruzzo a winning choice for years.

Cycling in Abruzzo means immersing yourself in natural settings with parks, hills, sea and lakes over often challenging routes winding spectacularly between ancient hamlets and holy architecture: here are 5 cycling itineraries ideal for an active holiday in green and historic settings. A broad scenario that will also welcome a stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling event.

Have you ever done Tarzaning or Arboring with your children? It means going from tree to tree between the vines, Tibetan bridges, tunnels, zip lines, nets and footbridges. And the good news is that you can do this in adventure parks, which have become major landmarks throughout Italy in recent years for family fun and beyond. There are also three parks in Abruzzo where you can climb trees safely with harnesses and helmets and with the help of friendly, professional people. Don't worry, there are various difficulty levels, and from baby trails to more challenging adult-only trails, you can safely enjoy a tailor-made experience.

In the heart of the Gran Sasso National Park, between the Laga Mountains, immersed in the wild beauty of the Salinello Gorgehow about some canyoning through narrow gorges between 200 metre high walls, waterfalls and pools of water? If we have caught your attention, read on here.

Rafting originated in the United States and was brought to Italy in 1984. A few years later, in 1987, the Italian Rafting Federation (F.I.Raft.) was founded and in 2010 rafting was recognised by CONI as a sport. There are two rivers in Abruzzo where this sport can be practised, the Aventino River, which flows through the province of Chieti, and the Sagittario River, which rises from Lake Scanno and flows into the Aterno-Pescara. The torrential stretches of these rivers, especially when water is plentiful, make them ideal for rafting and enjoy the scenery from a privileged viewpoint.

Located behind Farnese Palace, right next to the 14th-century St Paul's Church, the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs in Campli (Teramo) attracts thousands of faithful followers every year, who flock to discover places of worship with an evocative tradition and a fascinating history. Traditionally, you climb the 28 hard oak steps, in a magical setting of unexpected beauty, on your knees to be forgiven of your sins.

The Aragonese Castle of Ortona: a manor house overlooking the sea Its spectacular location overlooking the sea gives it much of its charm. The Aragonese Castle of Ortona, in the province of Chieti, softly overlooks the shores of the Adriatic Sea, facing the long Costa dei Trabocchi, with its imposing architecture. An unmissable journey through 15th-century history linked to the Aragonese domination of the Abruzzo region. Restored after a period of decay The marvellous fortress, as we know it today, dates back to the period between 1450 and 1470, when it was transformed from earlier mediaeval buildings. It was supposed to protect Ortona from the Aragonese assault, but failed. The quadrangular shape in full Renaissance style was chosen by Alfonso of Aragon, who wanted to rebuild the fortress overhanging the sea and make it more strategic in order to protect the town's harbour. Ortona passed into the hands of Margaret of Austria in 1582, who bought it for 54,000 ducats to convert it into a modern, economically flourishing town. Building innovation concentrated on the built-up area, leaving the Aragonese stronghold almost intact. The village was run by local administrations that took little interest in the castle's fate, condemning it to a long period of decay. Further damage to its structure occurred in the 20th century: it was hit by bombing in 1943 and by a landslide in 1946. Today it has regained its splendour thanks to careful restoration work undertaken in the 2000s. A history enlivened by a dark legend It is impossible to tell the story of Ortona's Aragonese Castle without mentioning the so-called “Legend of the Return”. The story goes that a rich merchant was received at the king's court, met his beautiful daughter, and fell madly in love with her. The king did not wish to give his daughter's hand in marriage to a sea dog. He therefore promised the merchant to grant him permission to marry his daughter only if he brought him something unique and remarkable as a gift. Several months passed and there was no sign of the merchant. The princess could not rest until the stormy sea, moved by compassion, led her back to her beloved at the bottom of the sea. In the morning, fruits that had never been seen before appeared on the beach in Ortona. Green and round, they were called monkey brains or Osage oranges. They were an extraordinary gift for the king. Still today, near the castle, fishermen swear they can hear the wails of the princess on stormy nights. During the Second World War, Ortona was renamed by Winston Churchill as the Stalingrad of Italy: crossed by the Gustav Line, the fortification that divided the peninsula in two, with the Nazi-Fascists to the north and the Anglo-Americans to the south, it was attacked and bombed for about six months. Antique furnishings, museums and evocative routes A visit to the Aragonese manor of Ortona holds its own charm: in one of its towers you can visit a small but delightful museum with period pictures and furnishings that belonged to the noble families who lived there over the centuries. Cyclists and hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a convenient route that leads from the castle to the cycle path along the Ortona coastline.

Discovering the Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone Mountain scenery with a strong scenic impact, watercourses bordering scenic roads, the green of the woods alternating with imposing rocky scenery: climbing up the Gran Sasso d'Italia and arriving in Sulmona, we can explore the timeless beauty of the Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone, a small Abruzzo jewel. Sant'Onofrio al Morrone Hermitage: history of a pearl set in the mountain Perched on one side of the mountain, with a vantage point overlooking the Peligna Valley and the Gran Sasso and Sirente-Velino mountain ranges, the Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone was built by Pietro Angelerio, the future Pope Celestine V, who lived part of his life there while fleeing from Boniface VIII. It was the last of the hermitages built after 1290 by the then Fra Pietro. Abandoned in 1807 as a result of the suppression of several religious orders, it came back into use when a number of hermits, both lay and religious, moved there. Tradition has it that Fra Pietro received the news of his election to the papacy while observing a penitential fast in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Peter. The Crucifix in front of which the saint was praying allegedly nodded his head and Peter reacted with these words: “I assent to the vows of the Sacred College and accept the Supreme Pontificate. May the Lord help me to bear its very heavy yoke”. After his abdication, Peter returned to Sant'Onofrio and remained there in hiding until February 1295, when he left for Apulia and then sailed to Greece. Declared a national monument in 1902, the Hermitage was partially destroyed during the Second World War before being carefully reconstructed. Today it is considered to be at the heart of one of the most important religious journeys in Abruzzo. Among works of art and mystical atmospheres It only takes a day to appreciate the marvels of the Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio al Morrone, beginning with the oratory, skilfully frescoed by Maestro Gentile da Sulmona in 1200. In the background we can admire a crucifixion scene depicting Mary and St. John at the foot of the Cross, while at the entrance St. Benedict is portrayed between the hermit Fathers Mauro and Antonio. The precious 15th-century wooden ceiling and the ancient white stone altar are noteworthy: in the middle is the stone crucifix that, according to tradition, Celestine V blessed during the mass celebrated in pontifical clothes before travelling to Naples. Also of great historical interest are the recently restored cells and rooms that have accommodated religious and secular hermits over time. Hiking enthusiasts can reach the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Peligna Valley: there is a refreshment point and picnic area where they can rest and enjoy the view. A place of worship and propitiatory rites It is not only an evocative destination in which to find calm and introspection, but also a place of worship and a destination for pilgrimages and propitiatory rites. At the Hermitage of Sant'Onofrio di Morrone, the rubbing (lithotherapy) of sore body parts on the rock walls is a tradition. The grotto beneath the hermitage is rich in the waters to which the faithful attribute thaumaturgical powers. The collection of rubble, dust and plant twigs gathered around the sanctuary is also popular. It is possible to watch stone throwing on the terrace, symbolising the negative influences, sorrows, temptations and sins from which people want to separate themselves forever. For more information Pacentro Information Centre - Tel. +39.0864.41304 - +39.349.8474470

The MAXXI in L'Aquila: a crossroads of contemporary cultures Never call it a branch: inaugurated on 3 June 2021, MAXXI L'Aquila is indeed the second headquarters of the National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, but it is much more than a branch. The idea for the museum is very recent: it was born in 2014, after the Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini visited Palazzo Ardinghelli, which had been severely damaged by the earthquake of 6 April 2009. Following restoration and a series of works, this 18th-century building was adapted to house the new museum dedicated to21st-century art, architecture and photography. A symbol of renewal The Maxxi L'Aquila is located in Piazza Santa Maria in Paganica, in the historical centre, and stands as an important sign for the entire city that still bears the scars of the earthquake of 6 April 2009. The ambitious project aims to turn this museum hub into a crossroads of communication, encounters and collaboration between several contemporary expressive languages, and also between all those working in the art world, from galleries to foundations, from research institutes to other museums, so that all the leading organisations, both national and international, may have a voice. A meeting place, in short, modelled on the MAXXI in Rome, where visual arts, photography, architecture and performance art dialogue with each other. Palazzo Ardinghelli: a National Monument The halls of MAXXI L'Aquila alone are worth a visit. Palazzo Ardinghelli, in fact, was among the first historical buildings in the city to be built after the 1703 earthquake, thanks to the family whose name it still bears today. Erected on a palace of Renaissance origin and completed in 1743, today it has a late Baroque facade due to later reconstructions: it was only finished in 1955 and makes the building one of the finest examples of L'Aquila Baroque. The element that characterises the architecture, together with the façade, is the courtyard, from which a monumental staircase of Borrominian derivation originates, frescoed by the Venetian Vincenzo Damini in 1749. The inner courtyard, which runs through the building between Piazza Santa Maria in Paganica and Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, makes the museum a public space available to the city. In 1902, the Palace was declared a National Monument. In front stands the church of Santa Maria Paganica, which gives its name to the square of the same name. A museum in flux MAXXI L'Aquila, at least for the moment, does not have a permanent collection, but is often the venue for workshops, talks, in-depth activities and educational projects that allow for a continuous and lively exchange with the local area, but also with anyone who happens to visit it. A real museum in the making, where nothing is static but the result of constant, ongoing interactions between artists and visitors. If you are passing through L'Aquila, make sure to drop in: at any time of year you will find something worth seeing. MAXXI L'Aquila is open on Thursdays from 16:00 to 20:00 and from Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00. Keep an eye on the official website to check out special openings and events not to be missed. Find out more https://maxxilaquila.art

A magical place for skiing, hiking, long walks and bouldering, the Majella National Park is part of the thousand-year-old history of the area, rich in age-old villages perched on the sides of the mountains. Two of these sacred hermitages, San Bartolomeo in Legio and Santo Spirito a Majella, are places of ancient beauty.

The evocative natural landscapes intertwine with a rich artistic and cultural heritage to make Teramo the ideal destination for nature lovers who want to travel back in time to discover the people and cultures that have made history in this area since the 8th century BC.