Where Mountains, The Sea, Mouth-watering Cuisine, and Memorable Culture Meet
Abruzzo is a region in central Italy, and is located about 150 miles (240 kilometers) east of Rome. The distance between the two can vary depending on the specific location within each region, but on average it takes about 2-3 hours by car, or 2 hours by train.
It is bordered by the regions of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west, and Molise to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The capital of Abruzzo is L’Aquila.
Abruzzo is the correct spelling of the name of the region in Italy. It is often spelled Abbruzzo in English, but Abruzzo is the official and correct spelling in both Italian and English. “Abbruzzi” is not a correct spelling of the name.
The people from Abruzzo, Italy are called Abruzzesi in Italian. It is the correct term to refer to the locals of Abruzzo.
What are the 8 things to do and see:
- Visit the Gran Sasso National Park: This park is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Italy, including the highest peak in the Apennines, the Gran Sasso mountain. The park offers hiking and rock climbing opportunities, as well as skiing in the winter.
- Explore the historic city of L’Aquila: – The capital of Abruzzo, L’Aquila is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its medieval architecture, including the 14th century Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and the 17th century Palazzo dei Sette.
- Take a trip to the seaside: Abruzzo’s coastline is known for its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. Popular seaside towns include Pescara, Francavilla al Mare, and Silvi Marina.
- Visit the Majella National Park: This park is located in the Apennine Mountains and offers hiking and skiing opportunities, as well as beautiful natural landscapes and rich wildlife.
- Try the local cuisine: Abruzzo is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, which includes dishes like arrosticini (skewered meats), pasta alla chitarra (pasta made with a special guitar-like tool), and pecorino cheese. The region is particularly famous for its cured meats, pasta dishes that make use of fresh local ingredients, and of course, gelato!
- Visit the Castello di Roccascalegna: This medieval castle is located in the town of Roccascalegna and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The castle has been well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the region’s history.
- Visit the Teramo Cathedral: – This 12th-century cathedral is located in the city of Teramo and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture. It houses many works of art, including frescoes and sculptures.
- Visit the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo: This museum is located in the city of L’Aquila and offers a look into the region’s art, culture, and history. It houses many artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and tools dating back to the Bronze Age.
Did you know?
The official language spoken in Abruzzo, Italy is Italian. However, it is common to find some locals, especially in the rural areas, who also speak dialects specific to Abruzzo such as the Abruzzese dialect.
The Abruzzese dialect is a variety of the Italian language spoken in the region of Abruzzo, and it has some influences from the local languages spoken in the past like Latin, Greek and Spanish.
A little history:
Abruzzo is home to two national parks, the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and the Majella National Park, which are known for their beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity. The parks offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and rock climbing.
The region has a rich cultural heritage, dating back to ancient Roman times. It is home to several historic cities and towns, such as L’Aquila, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are also many castles, churches and cathedrals, and museums that showcase the region’s art and history.
The area is also known for its wine production, particularly for red wines like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. The region has many vineyards and wineries that produce high-quality wines, and wine tasting tours are available for visitors.
The region has a number of ski resorts, the most well-known is the Campo Imperatore which is the largest ski resort in the Appenine mountain range, and it offers many winter sports opportunities like skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
It also has a long coastline that offers visitors beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Coastal towns like Pescara, Silvi Marina, and Francavilla al Mare are popular among tourists.
All these features make Abruzzo a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, culture lovers, foodies, and anyone looking for a taste of traditional Italy.
