Arriving in Scanno is a feat with its torturous winding roads, one-way tunnels, and breathtaking scenery. Once there, you have to navigate skinny roads that climb upwards (and hope no one is coming at you) to find a narrow parking spot. But it’s all worth it when you step out and breathe the mountain air.
Scanno is a little over 1000 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the Marsican Mountains (i Monti Marsicani). It contains atmospheric architecture, much of it medieval or older, along small lanes and long stairways that wind their way to pleasant little squares.
Below is a photo diary of this ancient town, nearby Lago di Scanno and the village of Anversa degli Abruzzi, where we stopped for a coffee on the way back to our base in Sulmona.
We started the day right with an almondy, chocolate-covered pan dell’orso at the actual bakery that makes the famous Abruzzo treat.
Home sweet home
Narrow lanes and mountain views
Things of stone and iron
Traditional costumes are still seen in the village on festival days and for special events.
Around every corner is another beautiful vista.
Faded writing – Molino Eletterico Moderno – modern electric mill
A great door deserves a decorative surround.
Picturesque Scanno overlooks the upper Sagittario Valley.
This Biscotteria is now run by the son of the woman (Lilliana) shown below.
Lilliana in traditional costume in the 1970s
Lilliana with my husband, Roo
Irons for making thin, crispy waffles called ferratelle, also known as pizzelle or nevole
It takes years to get the colour just right.
Salami and butcher shop
Mountain-fresh water comes from these spouts.
We sat inside this hidden treasure of a restaurant. In the evening it’s also a pizzeria.
Just for starters, locally made meats and cheeses
Still just the starters
A choice of chillis, arranged by heat
Lago di Scanno (Lake Scanno) with paddle boats, plenty of grass for picnics and a chapel (Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Annunziata, also known as the church of the Madonna del Lago).
Inside the chapel, the walls are adorned with ‘ex votos’. These are silver figures, body parts or hearts left by the faithful as thanks, or in hope of a cure.
Ex votos and rosaries
Close up showing delicate silver work
Wandering through Anversa, in search of coffee
One of my favourite coffee cups from a bar in Anversa degli Abruzzi
