Italy is in everyone's hearts. Thinking of Italy, the mind sends us images of the peaceful Tuscan countryside, romantic Venice's canals, the artistic beauties of Florence and Rome and the enchanting Amalfi Coast.
But there is much more to discover, in fact we want you to discover Abruzzo, a region that is still little known but which has countless landscape beauties, with many natural parks, both interesting and historical cultural beauties, just think of Rocca Calascio, one of the tallest castles in Europe and considered by National Geographic among the 15 most beautiful fortresses in the world. It has been the set for movies such as In the Name of the Rose and Lady Hawk.
As evidence of the naturalistic importance of Abruzzo we cannot help but mention that the Majella National Park has become a UNESCO World Geopark. An important acknowledgment, possible only thanks to the high geodiversity of the Abruzzo territory
Abruzzo is located on the Adriatic coast just two hours away from Rome, therefore an ideal destination for those traveling in Italy who arrive in Rome and want to discover a new reality off the beaten track. In one day you can literally reach the sea from the mountain, thus admiring a multitude of landscapes.
The small villages preserve precious jewels such as traditions, folklore, the idea of living at a slow pace.
Walking through the narrow streets you are transported to an almost parallel dimension - overwhelmed by an atmosphere of true community, where everyone knows everyone.
This region also boasts a rich culinary tradition made of simple and genuine flavors that perfectly reflect this land and the people.
Speaking of food, we certainly cannot forget that Abruzzo is one of the Italian regions with the largest number of slow food sites:
Navelli chickpeas: It is a centuries-old crop that few farmers have been able to maintain and carry forward amidst many difficulties.
Pecorino Canestrato from Castel del Monte with a pronounced and spicy flavour
Atessa Royal Dried Fig The Atessa royal fig is a highly appreciated variety since the last two centuries and is considered ideal for drying,
Lenticchia di Santo Stefanio di Sessanio, lenticchia di Santo Stefano di Sessanio grows above a thousand meters of altitude only on the slopes of the Gran Sasso, here the small legume has found an ideal habitat.
Just to name a few..
What to do in Abruzzo?
Taste fish dishes on the Trabocco with wine pairings.
The Trabocco is an ancient fishing machine today they are restaurants where to eat fresh fish dishes while enjoying the beauty of the sunset on the Adriatic Sea.
Walking under the stars
Take a suggestive walk with an astronomer at sunset to enjoy the scenery of the Gran Sasso National Park. Starting from Rocca Calascio up to Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
At dusk you can admire the constellations that gradually will appear.
We assure you that you will truly feel one step away from heaven!
Discover the authentic food tradition
Live an authentic culinary and gastronomic experience! Cooking Classes are aimed at food enthusiasts, and guarantee complete immersion in rural culture.
Gastronomic Tours from local farmers and winemakers, are aimed at those who want to know or deepen the knowledge of the bucolic reality, with its stories and its traditions, such as the production of cheese, the flagship product of Abruzzo cuisine, of the milling of ancient grains and olives.
Saffron harvesting is one of the many beautiful things to do in Abruzzo in autumn even with children.
On the Navelli plateau, between the peaks of the Gran Sasso, the churches, the small villages and the archaeological sites you can experience the cultivation fields of the most expensive spice in the world. Also called "the red gold of Abruzzo", saffron gives taste and beneficial properties to delicious dishes of all kinds, from the most luxurious and international ones to the more simple such as the chickpea and saffron soup typical of these area.
Experience the local artisans
Discover the origins and history of the Abruzzo artisan tradition which still manages to give shape to extraordinary objects, true masterpieces for furnishing. From majolica to wrought iron, from copper to stone, and filigrana. Abruzzo craftsmen are true masters in creating objects linked to a thousand-year-old tradition but projected into the future.
Knowing the origins and history of the Abruzzo artisan tradition means fully discovering the extraordinary value of the artistic craftsmanship of the villages.
Outdoor Adventures
Abruzzo is a very suitable destination for those who love outdoor activities from biking, trekking, clmbing, vertical parks, canoeing, yoga lessons, and even meditation, coming into contact with the colors and sounds of nature.
Choose the activity you like most while enjoying a unique setting.
What to visit ?
The ancient villages
A real dive into a more authentic world that allows you to escape from the frenzy of city life, to take back your own space and experience emotions that are now dormant, such as, for example, a pleasant walk through the narrow streets scented with burning wood, baked bread , and plants placed to decorate the balconies.
In these places, you can really enjoy simple things, such as relaxing under the sun's rays in the spring season, sitting on a rock in the center of the town and chatting with locals.
Scanno - Since the 19th century it was already at the center of stories that described its beauty: the stone houses, the holes, the dress that older women traditionally wear, and many other details that even great international professionals, such as Cartier Bresson, they photographed
Its inhabitants retain a strong vitality that they express daily in their work and everyday life, as happened hundreds of years before.
Pescocostanzo - represents another important village. Over time it has been able to organize itself well, both for land planning and construction works and has never allowed itself to be altered, therefore remaining a Renaissance masterpiece within the natural landscapes of the Majella.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Santo Stefano di Sessanio development began from the 14th century when it became a flourishing town that lived on agriculture and sheep farming. The village under the hegemony of the De' Medici family became an important economic center of the Lordship of Florence for the trade of "Carfagna" wool which was produced here and then processed in Tuscany and sold throughout Europe.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio was the first place where the idea of the "hotel diffuso" was born. Territorial tourism development aims to re-adapt the previously abandoned homes in truly unique accommodations.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio has become a truly original destination in recent years where the old rural houses have now become places of hospitality.
The cities
L'Aquila - We are sure that this town will win you over with its artistic and cultural heritage, thanks to the beautiful historic center enclosed by city walls of medieval origin.
The architectural symbol of the city is certainly the Basilica of Collemaggio located just outside the citywalls, it is popular for is beautiful facade and it is considered a masterpiece of the architecture of Abruzzo.
L'Aquila was hit by a strong earthquake in 2009 which destroyed most of the buildings and upset the lives of its inhabitants, but the city never gave up and worked hard to rebuild and bring its splendor back to light.
Chieti - Chieti is one of the oldest cities in Italy and boasts a highly regarded artistic and archaeological heritage. Its perched position guarantees a breathtaking view of both the sea and the surrounding mountains.
Chieti has Roman origins, and even today it is possible to see remains from the Roman era.
When visiting Chieti we cannot forget to visit the National Archaeological Museum Villa Frijeri where you can admire the most important find Il Guerriero Capestrano a life-size statue dating back to the sixth century BC which portrays a warrior from an ancient population.
It is nice to walk through the streets full of ancient monuments, historic artisan shops, stately buildings, churches and squares that are absolutely worth visiting. The most important cathedral is San Giustino dated back to 1200.
What to eat ?
Among the many typical dishes of Abruzzo you certainly cannot miss to taste "arrosticini" (skewers made from sheep meat), "palllotte" - egg and pecorino cheese-balls, cold cut such as "ventricina" is the most popular one. Along the Adriatic coast the typical dishes are fish-based such as "brodetto di pesce" (a delicious fish soup).
"Spaghetti alla chitarra" fresh pasta seasoned with meat sauce. To make these particular spaghetti, an ancient kitchen tool called "chitarra" (guitar) is still used today. Doing cooking classes using the "chitarra" is one of the musts to do when in Abruzzo.
Abruzzo is a destination waiting to be discovered, it will surprise you and leave you with the desire to return and deepen your knowledge of the region.
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