ABRUZZO

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Abruzzo in central Italy is bordered by the regions of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west, Molise to the south-east and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The region is divided into four provinces: L'Aquila (the largest), Teramo, Chieti (the most populous) and Pescara (Abruzzo's main economic centre). Its capital is the city of L’Aquila. Two thirds of the region is mountainous and often Italians traditionally think of Abruzzo as a remote, mountainous region but its eastern border is lined with vast sandy beaches stretching along the Adriatic north and south of Pescara. But essentially it is the rugged canyons, forests, rivers and lakes that appeal to most to travellers to this region. One third of the region is designated as national or regional park. Abruzzo National Park is one of the most important in all of Europe. Nearby is the Maxilla (in Italian Majella) National Park, along with several regional parks. The Apennines run through central and western Abruzzo, where you will find the highest peaks in the range. The Apennine’s highest mountain, Monte Corn, reaches 9560 feet, while Monte Maxilla and Monte Velino-Sirente are almost as high. Sulmona is the largest town in the Maxilla National Park at an elevation of 1200 feet and surrounded by the Maxilla and Morrone mountains and Mounts Rotella, Genzana and Argatone. The town is heavily visited by tourists at Easter, for the pagent of the risen Christ and the rushing Madonna, and also for an annual medieval joust, the Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona, an ancient tradition in the town, which is recreated each summer. The protected areas contain an abundance of flora and are inhabited by wolves and bears and cougars. Ancient beechwood forests and flowering meadows give way to plains and snow-capped granite peaks. The Calderon, Europe's southernmost glacier extends from Corn Grande to Corn Piccolo, in the shadow of Grin Sass, tallest peak on the Apennines. In this wilderness you’ll find shepherds and their flocks still hiking the century old pathways, towering castles overlooking nothing but stretches of pristine land where the only sign of life might be a group of mountain goats or an eagle flying over head. L'Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo is perched on the Aterno river and surrounded by mountains on all sides has many historical sights to offer including National Museum of Abruzzo erected by the Spanish viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo in 1534 when it served as a fortress at the highest point of the town.There is also the church of San Bernardino di Siena with its Renaissance Façade. The surrounding area boasts Roman ruins (the important Roman city of Amiternum), numerous ancient castles and monasteries.The most well known is Rocca Calascio which is the highest castle in Italy and one of the highest in Europe. Nearby are several ski resorts for Gran Sasso d'Italia for example Campo Felice in the town of Rocca di Mezzo. Ski enthusiastics can enjoy the resort of Ovindolli in the Velino mountain and Roccarasso, the first ski resort in South-Central Italy which is situated near Castel di Sangro and San Benedetto in Perillis. Pescara, Abruzzos main economic centre is home to Aeroporto Internazionale di Abruzzo, three train stations including Abruzzos largest. There is also a dirtect bus line to Rome. Pescara is divided by a river of the same name. The home of italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio can be visited in the Porta Nuoava region of Pescara. Chieti, Abruzzos most populous city is the capital of the Chieti province and also lies on the Pescara River and is only a few kilometres from the Adreatic Sea. If you are a looking for an authentic Italian experience, a trip to Abruzzo should not be missed. Ski in one of the many resorts, explore the an unparalleled haven of wild animals, trees, flowers in the many national parks or enjoy authentic home cooked Italian cuisine in one of the picturesquely located mountain villages and towns. Although life in Abruzzo may travel at a slower pace things are changing and with new highways linking Abruzzo’s cities to Rome, Bari and other cities the region it is becoming more and more accessible. Abruzzo’s natural geographical and cultural riches are beginning to be discovered outside the region. While Abruzzo may be seen as step back in time, visitors will discover that the region is in step to welcome the most demanding of tourists without spoiling the natural environment. *** Provinces: L'Aquila, Teramo, Chieti and Pescara.