Exploring my grandparent's region of Abruzzo – and more of Italy
This post is part 1 of 2 posts regarding the Abruzzo's Teramo Province. It concentrates on a few towns that are either directly on the Adriatic Sea coast of Abruzzo, or within view of the coast. Abruzzo is a central-south region of Italy, shown in red on the small map of Italy below. Along with... Continue Reading →
Those of you familiar with the central Adriatic coast of Italy, from southern Abruzzo to northern Puglia, might know about the unusual-looking trabocchi (the plural of trabocco). They are spidery-looking wooden fishing houses at the end of a long plank, off rocky areas of the coast. Nets are suspended from the long arms to hopefully... Continue Reading →
On a dark and very rainy day in 2013, I first visited Pacentro, a medieval village perched at 690 meters above sea level on the side of Monte Morrone, near Sulmona. Lucky to be in Sulmona again in this year, I decided to see nearby Pacentro in the sunshine. I thought, "I'll rent a bike for... Continue Reading →
Abruzzo's most populous city, Pescara, has a reputation as a brash new city, however its history pre-dates the Roman Empire. The Lombards, Spaniards, Turks and French have all attacked or ruled over the centuries. As a key Adriatic port city, much of the old medieval centre was bombed and destroyed during WWII. It has the appearance of... Continue Reading →
During my recent trip to Italy I organised a half day of food and sightseeing for family and friends with Emiliana of Abruzzo4Foodies. Emiliana is a native of Abruzzo with a passion for travel, food and the Abruzzo region. She runs customised tours in a few languages, including English! We were staying in Manoppello (see previous... Continue Reading →
I had never heard of the town of Manoppello until June 2013 when I met Giulia Scappaticcio at a conference in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, high up in Abruzzo's mountains, near L'Aquila. Giulia, the titolare (proprietor) of Casale Centurione Country House (a fine Bed and Breakfast establishment that lies on a fertile hill between Manoppello and Manoppello Scalo)... Continue Reading →
A weekend in Sulmona is not enough. But I reckon even a short time spent there is better than none. I’d been to Sulmona once before and enjoyed its refined, historic centre and relaxed vibe. Nestled in the Peligna Valley and surrounded by mountains, Sulmona is a destination in itself as well as a great jumping... Continue Reading →
After three weeks in Lanciano, I was a little sad to leave, but also excited to see more of Abruzzo. The still-hot weather drew me to the coast and the ancient city of Vasto. Vasto has a great seafaring and fishing tradition which is expressed with perfection in the most famous dish of the region,... Continue Reading →
So much of life in Abruzzo is lived outside in the warmer months. Air conditioning in homes is rare. Families live on pretty balconies, terraces and courtyard and gather in parks and piazzas for shade and company. During my recent stay in Lanciano and my travels beyond, I wandered the streets, chatted with strangers and enjoyed... Continue Reading →
Heart in Abruzzo 