THE STRONG AND KIND ABRUZZO
Located in central-southern Italy, Abruzzo extends from the heart of the central Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. A real paradise for flora and fauna, in fact about 75% of European species are located in our region. Abruzzo is one of the greenest regions of the old continent and the extent of the natural heritage is immense: three national parks, a regional park, 38 protected areas including oases, regional reserves and state reserves. In total, 36.3% of the regional territory is subject to environmental protection.
ALL THE WONDERS OF ABRUZZO
IN THE 9 MAGS DOCKS
1 - ADRIATIC SEA AND THE COASTAL HILLS DOCK
Città Sant’Angelo is an elegant and noble treasure chest of history, art and nature; strategically positioned on a hill, not far from the sea and Pescara, is the historic core of Città Sant’Angelo, rich in valuable noble palaces, places of worship and narrow alleys that allow visitors to discover suggestive and unique views. Acknowledged as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, the charming town, thanks to the excellent wines and oils produced in its territory, has been awarded the Green Flag for Agriculture.
Città Sant’Angelo Marina was once a village of peasant fishermen. Today it has been transformed into a residential and commercial area. Its developed commercial fabric includes large shopping centres and one of the largest Outlet Villages in central Italy. It is in fact one of the main gateways for those reaching Abruzzo via the Adriatic Highway. But this comes as no surprise in the eyes of history, for it was from this very area that the important old Via del Sale (Salt Road) originated in Roman times.
Silvi is a municipality whose historical origins can be traced back to those of nearby Atri. In the Roman period it was fortified and in the Middle Ages, in order to defend itself from the Turkish and Saracen pirates that landed on the coast, it began to structure itself in the nearby village of Silvi Paese with the construction of three watchtowers and the city walls that still give it a special charm. From its belvedere, it enjoys a unique and spectacular view of the entire Abruzzo coastline. With its 9 km of coastline, it represents one of Abruzzo’s major centres for seaside tourism.
Pineto is a renowned seaside town characterised, as its name suggests, by the important presence of pine forests. Until 1930, when it became a municipality, it was called Villa Filiani and was a fraction of the municipality of Mutignano, which in turn became a fraction of Pineto. It was the Filiani family of Atri that gave rise to Pineto by constructing the first building as their summer residence. The passage of the Adriatic railway, the railway yard and the farsightedness of Comm. Luigi Filiani with his decision to plant over 2000 pine trees in front of the sea, made this small town a unique and unmistakable jewel.
Mutignano is an ancient village of medieval origin and was the first settlement of what is now Pineto. In the Middle Ages, despite the crisis and poverty that affected the whole of Europe, it grew larger and became a real village, dependent on the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. In 1251, as well as being entrusted to the diocese of Atri, it became part of the duchy under the Acquaviva of Aragon (1395- 1760). During these six centuries, Montediano changed its name to the present Mutignano and walls, palaces, churches and, above all, the Castle, which was located at the western end of the village, were erected. The village is characterised by the presence of several murals depicting scenes of daily life, painted on some façades overlooking the main streets and squares.
The magnificent town of Atri stands on three hills, Maralto, Muralto and Colle di Mezzo, overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the majestic ‘Calanchi’. The town from 1935 was under the rule of the Duchy of Acquaviva until 1760 when it returned under the rule of the Kingdom of Naples. Between the majestic ‘Calanchi’ and fertile green hills lies this charming town, steeped in history and magic with numerous stately palaces and monuments of historical interest. Described by Greek and Latin authors as Hatria Picena, its origin dates back to the Iron Age between the 10th and 11th centuries BC.
2 - VALLE DEL FINO DOCK
The Fino Valley takes its name from the Fino River, which has its source on the north-eastern slope of the Gran Sasso. The valley, which starts in Arsita and arrives on the Adriatic coast, is a succession of gentle hills, woods and cultivated fields, always dominated by the reassuring Gran Sasso. The slow descent from the mountainous and piedmont territory continues its slow and steady course towards the valley, which becomes gentler and wider until it reaches the sea. On the summits of the major hills, immersed in the green colours of the Abruzzi countryside, one can enjoy an exceptional panorama that opens its horizons to the Adriatic, the Gran Sasso, Majella, Monti della Laga and Monti Gemelli massifs, as well as to the Umbrian and Marche mountains, Monte Vettore.
Elice is a small village of medieval origin located on the northern side of the valle del fino, in the Vestina area. Traces of its history date back to the 11th century. In 1051, the Benedictine monastery of S. Maria di Picciano had, as a donation from Bernardo di Penne, son of Bernardo, a cell called S. Martino ‘in the castle of the Ilice subject’. On 10 July 1084, Count William Tassone donated the castle of Elice, with men, land, buildings and appurtenances, to the Abbey of S. Giovanni in Venere. Among the various attractions in the village are the medieval Church of San Martino and the Castiglioni Castle, which is the main monument of the old village.
The ancient origins of Castilenti are testified by the traces of settlements found throughout its territory. Among the most significant are those in the locality of Casabianca, attributable to the Italic period, while the remains of a place of worship in the locality of San Romualdo date back to the Hellenistic period, 3rd-2nd century BC. It is to the late Roman period that the toponym could date back, which would appear to be composed of the voice castellun, diminutive of castrum, and the person name Lentius. The most prestigious monument in the town centre is the palace of the Marquises de Sterlich, lords of Castilenti until the feudal subversion, built in brick in the 16th century. Also in the historical centre is the Mother Church of Santa Vittoria, of which there are traces as far back as 1309. Outside the built-up area stands the Franciscan convent of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto built in 1598 and inhabited by more than ten monks until 1811, the date of the Napoleonic suppression of the religious orders with the expropriation of property.
Montefino, of medieval origin, is a municipality that stands on a steep rise along the Fino valley and preserves the appearance of a fortified village. Around 1150 it was a fief of just 65 inhabitants, held by Trasmondo di Colle Madii, on behalf of Count Roberto di Aprutio. In 1862, the municipality of Montefiore was renamed Montefino. In addition to the characteristic historical centre, you can admire the remains of the Castello di Corte with its circular tower attached to a complex of houses. It offers one of the most enchanting and picturesque views of the Fino Valley.
A guardian of millennial history, religiosity and beauty. In the heart of the Fino Valley, on a hill 265 metres above sea level, Castiglione Messer Raimondo guards a remarkable artistic and cultural heritage. Gathered around the imposing Church of San Donato Martire, with the Sanctuary that preserves his remains, the town is characterised by its alleyways and views with interesting arcades. Also of great historical interest are the hamlet of Appignano, with its ancient medieval village, and the hamlet of San Giorgio, with the remains of an ancient Norman castle. Travelling from the sea to the mountains, thanks to the morphology of the land that still has gentle hills that are easy to cultivate, Castiglione Messer Raimondo is proud to show its agricultural vocation. It is no coincidence that this area is home to the indigenous olive variety called La Castiglionese. There are numerous farms present, and in some of them it is possible to buy zero-kilometre products.
Bisenti, a town rich in history and traditions, is a village of ancient origins dating back to the pre-Roman era. According to legend, Bisenti is the birthplace of Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator who ruled Judea in the 1st century A.D. and who is credited with condemning Jesus of Nazareth to the penalty of crucifixion. Of great importance and beauty are the Parish Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, dating back to the 16th century, the medieval tower, the palace that currently houses the abbey dating back to the 13th century, former home of the Celestine Monks. Lately, it has been embellished with murals of extraordinary beauty, created by internationally renowned artists.
Arsita, at 470 metres above sea level, has Mount Camicia as its backdrop and from the first glance its scenic wonders and unspoilt surroundings stand out. The historic centre, with its castle and streets, retains its medieval charm. Famous, cheerful and original is ‘Valfino al Canto’, the festival held on 9 and 10 August. Outside the village, the territory of Arsita hosts some points of particular beauty and interest, including the church of Santa Maria d’Arabona, the springs of the river Fino and the Gole dell’Inferno Spaccato, a geological peculiarity.
3 - GRAN SASSO TERAMANO DOCK
A cluster of houses perched on an overhang, which surrounds it on three sides, mostly inaccessible and for this reason easily defensible in the remaining part that binds it to the mountain. For these characteristics that make it similar to a castle, in fact, where, for security reasons, the inhabitants of the surrounding countryside, who have since become ‘castellans’, were concentrated in the Carolingian era’. Castelli is among the world’s most famous locations for ceramic production. Located at the foot of Mount Prena, it is also an excellent starting point to reach some of the most famous peaks of the Gran Sasso massif.
A cradle of religion and nature, with the Gran Sasso peaks in the background, between the courses of the Mavone river and the Ruzzo torrent, in the Sicilian valley, is Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia. Traces of dwellings dating back to the Neolithic period have been found in the town, but the earliest certain information on its origins dates back to the 11th century. Known for the Sanctuary of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata, one of the most important in central Italy, the town is home to distinctive natural and artistic beauties. The municipal territory belongs to the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and hosts a rich faunal biodiversity.
Azzinano is a hamlet in the municipality of Tossicia known for being the birthplace of the famous naive painter Annunziata Scipione. Inspired by her work, since 2001 its historic centre has been frescoed with marvellous naïf murals depicting the games of yesteryear. An open-air art gallery that every summer is enriched with new paintings, the result of the creativity of many artists from all over Italy. This focus on naïf derives from the fact that the hamlet was the birthplace of Annunziata Scipione, one of Italy’s greatest naïf painters; who passed away in 2018, her most important works are housed in the National Museum of Naïve Arts in Luzzara, alongside masterpieces by Antonio Ligabue.
We are in the centre of the Sicilian Valley, this is the name given to this area, probably because of the road that runs through it, the Via Cecilia built by the consul Cecilius Metellus in 117 B.C., or because the Sicilian people lived here before landing in Sicily. Tossicia has a millennial history and has been considered the capital of the Sicilian Valley since the time of the Mendozas. Over time, it has represented a fundamental link in the artistic, cultural, economic and social evolution of the area between the Adriatic and the Gran Sasso massif.
4 - ALTA VAL VOMANO E VAL CHIARINO DOCK
Montorio al Vomano is a small town located at the base of the main road of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. It originated in pre-Roman times, but the constitution of the village dates back to the Middle Ages. The town spreads out on the banks of the Vomano river, presenting an upper part on the left side where it is still possible to see the remains of the medieval encastellation, and the lower part where, starting from the main square, the characteristic streets with the ancient 17th-century dwellings wind their way. Montorio also boasts a great and renowned gastronomic tradition, characterised above all by the art of confectionery with two excellent products: the ‘bocconotto montoriese’ and the ‘pizza dolce’, a typical Abruzzese cake.
At just over 1100 metres above sea level and made up of a group of small hamlets, Crognaleto is located in the highest part of the Teramo mountains and extends on both sides of the Vomano valley, between Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. The municipality was established in 1813, during the Napoleonic occupation through the union of adjoining hamlets; before this date, its territory was part of the municipality of Roseto. The landscape offers glimpses of unspoilt nature: against a backdrop of vast forests, pastures and waterways.
Lake Provvidenza is an artificial lake, located along the SS80 Gran Sasso d’Italia road, near the hamlet of Ortolano in the municipality of Campotosto, created by damming the Vomano river with a dam over 50 metres high. Evocative for its crystal-clear waters surrounded by woods, the lake is used as a modulation basin that collects water from the Provvidenza hydroelectric power station to feed the subsequent San Giacomo hydroelectric power station. The top of the dam leads to the Chiarino Valley.
This is a very picturesque valley, between 1000 and 1500 m above sea level, rich in water and tall beech forests, up to the extensive high-altitude pastures between Mount Corvo and Mount Ienca. Probably the site of an ancient castle, the valley preserves vestiges of ancient settlements, the Cappelli Mill, the small chapel of San Martino, and the remains of the village of the Arcari, those who dedicated themselves to working with beech wood. Proceeding towards the slopes of Mount San Franco, one can catch a glimpse of the breathtaking panorama of Lake Campotosto and reach other places of worship, the aedicule of the Madonna della Zecca under a rocky wall, and the small church of San Vincenzo, located at the entrance to the Valle del Vasto.
5 - VALLE DEL VASTO DOCK
Long and with a gentle slope, located at an altitude of about 1,000 m, also rich in water, it presents a landscape dominated by oak groves, former cultivated land and azonal vegetation. A landscape that is never monotonous, it offers surprising views and hides numerous places of interest, the ancient Masseria Cappelli with the adjoining small church of S. Maria del Vasto, dating back to the 14th century, the Hermitage of Santa Maria della Croce, the Grotta a Male, the largest known cave in the Gran Sasso Massif. On the left side of the valley, near San Pietro della Ienca, are the San Giovanni Paolo II Sanctuary and the small church of San Clemente, and at the mouth of the valley is the hamlet of Assergi.
6 - ALTOPIANO DI CAMPO IMPERATORE DOCK
What is most striking and fascinating, at Campo Imperatore, are the spaces, the vast dimensions that are always fully visible, thanks also to the vegetation that is exclusively herbaceous. The peaks that delimit and surround the plateau, located at an altitude of between 1,500 and 1,900 metres, are among the highest and most striking in the Apennines. The well-known anthropologist and mountaineer Fosco Maraini compared it, in terms of morphology and characteristics, to the Phari Dzong valley in Tibet. Since then, the Campo Imperatore plateau has been commonly referred to as ‘Little Tibet’.
Fonte Cerreto is a locality in the province of L’Aquila and is physically the starting point of the cable car that reaches the ski resort of Campo Imperatore in winter. With its cable car, it is a gateway for mountain tourism; it is an important tourist resort built in the 20th century, and a destination for an important flow of mountain enthusiasts in all seasons. The resort is able to welcome visitors with various accommodation and commercial facilities.
At an altitude of about 1600 m, within depressions in the terrain among the pastures, we find small natural lakes of karstic and glacial origin, Lake Barisciano, Lake Passaneta and Lake Racollo. These are included in one of the most evocative mountain itineraries of this territory: the ring of the 3 small lakes. The itinerary develops among the boundless prairies of Campo Imperatore, offering majestic views of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. There are many places of cultural interest along the route, including the ruins of Santa Maria del Monte in Paganica dating back to 1100.
Fascinating gorge with morphology shaped by glacial and periglacial phenomena. The Valianara cave inside the canyon is also very suggestive. Recognised as one of the most fascinating places in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, it was the subject of the film set ‘They kept calling it Trinity’. Whichever direction one goes, arriving at the canyon leads to a sudden change in the territory, passing from the reassuring grasslands to a primitive, almost desert-like environment.
7 - PENDICES OF CAMPO IMPERATORE DOCK
The slopes of the Gran Sasso are characterised by a fascinating landscape where man’s interventions in the past years can be seen in the many fortified villages and magnificent castles. In recent years, these ancient villages have been invested by an important flow of tourists, which has considerably increased their fame. Considerable investments, both public and private, have brought back to light, especially in the magnificent village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a magic worn out by time and neglect.
A small village of medieval origin that enchants with its historical and architectural heritage. This fortified and perfectly preserved village, located at an altitude of 1250 metres, became an important economic centre under the hegemony of the De’ Medici family of the Signoria of Florence for the flourishing trade in the ‘carfagna’ wool that was produced here. A symbol of the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the Medici Tower dating back to the 14th century and located at the top of the village served as a lookout.
Rocca Calascio is one of the most representative symbols of Abruzzo’s mountain territory. A stone jewel, where even tiny churches hide unexpected masterpieces. The village is known for its Rocca, built entirely of stone, set in an enchanting natural scenario, chosen as the set of successful films. Also very beautiful is the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Pietà, a temple erected in 1596 to celebrate the victory of the local population against a band of brigands.
The first evidence of the existence of Castel del Monte dates back to the 11th century, while the name Castellum de Monte appears for the first time in the papal bull of 1283. Over time, the town was in the hands of the Acquaviva family, the Piccolomini family and finally the Medici family. Finally, with the unification of Italy, it became an autonomous municipality and was included in the province of L’Aquila. Architectural beauties such as ancient portals, windows, ‘vignali’ (external staircases), arches and passage vaults (the ‘sporti’) can be admired.
8 - VOLTIGNO E VALLE D'ANGRI DOCK
A small karstic plateau rich in dolines and seasonal or perennial lakes (Lago Sfondo) surrounded by peaks and dense beech forests. Separating it from the Campo Imperatore plateau are Mount Meta and other small heights. ‘A perfect mixture of plains, peaks, woods and deep valleys that make it one of the wildest corners of the eastern chain of the Gran Sasso massif. In winter, when it is covered in snow, it is frequented by those who practice cross-country skiing, hiking, fat biking and snowshoeing. In summer, its network of trails is frequented by those who practice trekking, walking, trail running, mountain biking or horse riding.
The Valle d’Angri is surrounded by the peaks of the San Vito and Bertona mountains. Characterised by a very wild terrain, far from settlements, it is furrowed by the Tavo river, which swirls through the valley and finally passes into a cave called Bocca dell’Inferno. Once an agricultural area, it is rich in fruit trees and preserves ancient rural dwellings, the ‘stinzie’, in various states of conservation. The Vitello d’Oro (Golden Calf) waterfall, is a thirty-metre waterfall fed by deep water tables from the heart of the Gran Sasso d’Italia.
9 - COLLINA VESTINA DOCK
The Vestina area is a vast geographical area that includes the municipalities of the Pescara hinterland north of the Pescara river, but in ancient times also included the municipalities of the Fino valley. It takes its name from the ancient Italic Vestini people who inhabited the area. The rolling hills reach as far as the slopes of the Gran Sasso Massif where the various municipalities dominate the area. The area’s main dish is undoubtedly the arrosticino. Skewers of sheep meat, traditionally prepared by the shepherds of the hill area of Pescara originate from the Voltigno plain and the village of Villa Celiera.
Montebello di Bertona is located in the centre of the Vestina area at the foot of the mountain that gives it its name, the Bertona. The territory falls within the perimeters of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Its history is peculiar and curious in that more is known about its prehistory than its history. Widely documented are the findings of human settlements dating from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, while on Mount Bertona itself there have been findings from Roman times. Of particular interest is the ‘Stinzia Bertoniana’, a typical shelter used in the area by farmers, shepherds and charcoal burners and now used as a park dedicated to bees and biodiversity and as a venue for events to protect and promote the area.
The medieval origin of this rural centre can be seen in the entrance gates, the paths between the houses with their ancient ovens and the characteristic stairways that criss-cross its historic centre. With its position perched on a hill, it is located on the eastern slopes of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. The territory is very varied with the presence of different natural environments such as forests, high-altitude pastures, riverine, rocky, forest and cultivated environments. There are numerous crags used for sports climbing. It is impossible not to mention its product of excellence, the famous ‘Pecorino di Farindola’ cheese.
The village of Villa Celiera, of medieval origins, stands at the gates of Voltigno, on a limestone cliff overlooking the upper valley of the Schiavone stream. It is part of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Always with an agricultural vocation, it has developed in recent decades a tourism linked to hiking, walking, biking and cross-country skiing, and above all a gastronomic tourism. In fact, it is famous for being considered the town where the famous arrosticini originated.
A beautiful town of pre-Roman origins, it stands on four hills: Colle Sacro with its 438 metres, Colle Romano, Colle Castello and Colle Cappuccio, in an area whose human habitation dates back at least to the Middle Neolithic and was the ancient capital of the Italic Vestini population. The use of brick, present in all buildings and in the remains of some flooring, has led to the town being nicknamed the ‘brick city’. The different historical periods that have followed one another are evidenced by the works left by man. The Acquaventina fountain is an example from Roman times, while the urban layout, with its narrow streets, dates back to the Middle Ages. The patron saint of Penne is San Massimo, whose relics are located in the cathedral, Co-cathedral Santa Maria degli Angeli. Penne is a town rich in art, culture, history and nature.
