National Park of Abruzzi - Gran Sasso

The National Park of Abruzzi and Gran Sasso - Monti della Laga, was founded in 1991 and covers 150.000 hectares. The range of Gran Sasso spreads from the basin of the river Vomano in the north, to the rivers Mavone, Fino and Tavo in the north east, the torrent Nora in the south east and the river Pescara in the South. The chain of the Laga is north-south oriented and presents two sides which differ in their formation and climate. 
Hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, guided tours, nature photography, observing animals in their natural habitat, bird watching at Campotosto, cycling tours, mountaineering on the Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo, Monte Camicia and Pizzo d’Intermesoli. Rock climbing, rafting, canoeing and windsurfing at Campotosto. Ski touring and cross country skiing on the runs of Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Pietracamela. Mountain skiing and climbing frozen water falls are just some of the sport and leisure activities the park area offers. The high peaks of the Gran Sasso are a half hour drive away while the sea is distant only 6km away.

 

Castelli - Atri - Teramo - Civitella del Tronto

Castelli :in a hilly position, this small town has many extraordinary treasures of Abruzzo Art.  The church of San Giovanni Battista built in 1601 in renaissance style has the remains of the XII century pulpit from the Abbey of San Salvatore built into its façade.  Inside the church is a XIII century wooden statue of St. Anne holding Mary and an altarpiece in majolica by Francesco Grue one of the great masters in ceramic works.
The church and former Franciscan convent from the XVII century has cloisters with arches and pillars decorated with majolica tiles. Today it is home to the local museum.   The town is a good starting point for climbs and excursions to the Gran Sasso.
In the holiday period there are fairs and exhibitions dedicated to handicrafts, the production of ceramics and its history.

Atri: still maintains an aspect of antiquity and is today one of the most important historical, cultural and artistic centres in Abruzzo.
Built on the remains of a previous church (IX century), the Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta (1223) conserves evidence of the very first buildings. The façade has a beautiful portal by Master Rainaldo of Atri and above that is a splendid rose window.  The bell tower has a mosaic decoration. Inside the church the choir dates back to the XII century.  Of particular note is the frescoe cycle by Andrea de Litio, composed by 101 panels on the walls of the apse that describe the 26 moments in the life of Joachim and Mary.  The transept vault shows Evangelists and Doctors, while the side walls depict the virtues. In the nave is another painting which depicts the angels transporting the Holy house of Loreto. What also makes the surrounding area of Atri impressive is the presence of the Calanchi which are karstic formations originating from a particular kind of erosion and today are part of the Riserva Naturale dei Calanchi di Atri which cover 350 hectares of territory.

Teramo: Crowned by the magnificent peaks and hills of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga and heading toward the splendid Adriatic coast, Teramo is rich in history, nature and a vivid cultural life.
Despite a strong urban development, there are many remains testifying Roman and Medieval times. In the heart of the town, between the Roman theatre and amphitheatre, is the Cathedral of San Berardo (1158) with three naves, and a portal by Diodato Romano, with beautiful little statues on the side columns by Nicola da Guardiagrele whose masterpiece is treasured inside and is the famous altar frontal the “Paliotto d’argento”; the Polittico of Sant’Agostino, by the Venetian artist Jacobella del Fiore and frescoes from the XIV century. Among the many other churches, worth a visit is the Church of  Sant'Antonio (13th century) with its fine Romanesque portal and just outside Teramo in a place called Frondarola is the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie with a remarkable sculpture of the Virgin with child, numerous paintings, semicircular arches, decorated capitals and the cloisters.

Civitella del Tronto: The medieval citadel is a unique example in Abruzzo and is in a splendid panoramic position dominating the surrounding hills.  Inside its walls there are many buildings from medieval and renaissance times. The main streets, Via Mazzini and Via Roma are dotted with noble homes such as the Palazzo del Conte de’ Termes (XIV century).
Dominating the city is the Bourbon fortress that was recently restored and is one of the largest in Italy.  Churches worth mentioning are the Chiesa di S. Francesco with its wonderful decorated rose window and wooden choir inside, and the Chiesa di San Lorenzo built in the XVI century with its silver cross.

 

Roseto degli Abruzzi - Montepagano - Giulianova

Roseto degli Abruzzi is a seaside resort on the Adriatic Coast with one of the most beautiful beaches in Abruzzo.  Its well-equipped tourist port is ideal for small boats.  For lovers of sports, Roseto offers tennis courts, skating rinks, a school of windsurfing, horseback riding and waterslides for children.  The promenade is perfect for jogging and relaxing walks. Apart from the “Trofeo Lido delle Rose” the town hosts many other sport events such as minibasket tournaments and junior football matches; roller skating exhibitions, international beach volley competitions and high-sea fishing championships.  You can say that Roseto is an all-round sport town.
For more information:
www.rosetodegliabruzzi.com

Montepagano: 4 km far from the center of Roseto. The famous castle is situated at 289 mt from the sea level. It has monuments like old villages, old arches, the bell tower, some churches like the SS. Annunziata, also it has wonderful panoramic views, it is a romantic place, ideal for relaxing and refreshing evenings. The link between culture and enogastronomy is close felt and for thirty years there has been the “mostra dei vini tipici” which takes place in Montepagano and gives the tourists the possibility to taste the regional wines as well as some of the local specialities. There is also the Museum of Culture in Montepagano and the local art gallery which is housed in the town hall.

Giulianova: historic city, is among the most popular seaside resorts of the middle Adriatic. The city is divided into Giulianova country situated in the hills and the coast with its long sandy beach. To visit: the Cathedral of St. Flavian, the Sanctuary of Splendor, the chapel was St. Gaetano-De Bartolomei, the Kursaal. In summer, various events enliven the waterfront with festivals and music concerts.

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