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ABRUZZO TO BE EXPIRIENCED
Montesilvano
Montesilvano, despite its misleading name, is a beautiful town that overlooks the Adriatic Sea, boasting first-class tourist-hotel facilities, which emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The pride of Montesilvano is the beautiful promenade that runs south of the mouth of the river Saline to join the nearby Pescara. The coast is flanked by a beautiful beach of fine sand, much appreciated and among the most popular of Abruzzo for ease of access and proximity to the many attractions of the capital.
Montesilvano, with its seafront, is the perfect place to spend a family holiday! On the seafront, you can take many baths in safe waters even for the youngest, play and enter the enchanted world of fantasy building castles with golden sand, pleasant walks on the seashore with mum and dad and why not, enjoy the sun for a nice tan, always careful not to burn yourself!
The pride of Montesilvano is the beautiful promenade that runs south of the mouth of the river Saline to join the nearby Pescara. The coast is flanked by a beautiful beach of fine sand, much appreciated and among the most popular of Abruzzo for ease of access and proximity to the many attractions of the capital.
Montesilvano, with its seafront, is the perfect place to spend a family holiday! On the seafront, you can take many baths in safe waters even for the youngest, play and enter the enchanted world of fantasy building castles with golden sand, pleasant walks on the seashore with mum and dad and why not, enjoy the sun for a nice tan, always careful not to burn yourself!
For the more athletic and to stay in shape: you can also use the opportunity to go for a bike ride with the entire family, when the sun is not too hot, thanks to the convenient bike path that runs along the sea from which you can enjoy a fabulous landscape and then maybe stop for an ice cream. What about the evening? We are tired, but no we are not going to sleep early, we are awaiting the Luna Park games, the stalls and the music in the square ... yes we can do it!
Watch out, Mum and Dad...
The beach of Montesilvano has been awarded the Green Flag for the 4th time! Do you know what it is? It is a recognition that Italian paediatricians give to the perfect child-friendly beach in which clear, shallow water near the shore, sand for towers and castles, lifeguards and lifeboats, games, spaces for changing nappies or breastfeeding and, nearby, parks, ice-cream parlours, sports facilities, bars for aperitifs and restaurants for adults, are all key and essential elements for such a recognition!
Should you not feel like going to the beach one day but rather want to get to know more about Montesilvano, a visit to the village on the hills should not be overlooked. Therefore, along an enchanting road, full of greenery and shade, you will arrive at Montesilvano Colle, a small village, founded in the 14th century, very close to the sea but at an altitude of 160 metres.
You arrive in an authentic village, one of the most precious in the Abruzzo hills, a labyrinth of alleys and lanes that suddenly open onto inner courtyards and the belvedere walk.
From here, your gaze sweeps towards the sea, attracted by the peaks of the Maiella, but you will certainly be fascinated by the most spectacular profile of Abruzzo's great mountain, the "Sleeping Beauty", which portrays a beautiful woman sleeping under a carpet of clouds.
Apart from the beautiful panorama, what can be seen in the hills? The church of San Michele Arcangelo and the church of Madonna della Neve.
You arrive in an authentic village, one of the most precious in the Abruzzo hills, a labyrinth of alleys and lanes that suddenly open onto inner courtyards and the belvedere walk.
From here, your gaze sweeps towards the sea, attracted by the peaks of the Maiella, but you will certainly be fascinated by the most spectacular profile of Abruzzo's great mountain, the "Sleeping Beauty", which portrays a beautiful woman sleeping under a carpet of clouds.
Apart from the beautiful panorama, what can be seen in the hills? The church of San Michele Arcangelo and the church of Madonna della Neve.
SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO
In the highest part of the old town, the church of San Michele Arcangelo is set like the tip of a diamond: a beautiful church with an original structure that is almost a thousand years old, Norman architectural style with outer walls finished with exposed bricks. Inside there is a 17th century wooden Madonna of moving beauty and a large statue of San Michele from 1700.
MADONNA DELLA NEVE
The Church of the Madonna della Neve, surrounded by greenery, is located in one of the most panoramic points of Montesilvano Colle. It was erected next to the first Franciscan convent, immediately after the visit of St Francis between 1216 and 1226. Strongly supported by the will of the people to commemorate the extraordinary passage of Brother Francis, it was initially dedicated to St Nicholas (since St Francis was still alive at the time).
Towards the end of 1600, its name was changed and it was dedicated to the Madonna of the Snow. The façade of the church is quite simple, with a horizontal crowning, the Romanesque details are left visible, unlike the rest of the façade which is plastered.
Towards the end of 1600, its name was changed and it was dedicated to the Madonna of the Snow. The façade of the church is quite simple, with a horizontal crowning, the Romanesque details are left visible, unlike the rest of the façade which is plastered.
Over the centuries, the church, which initially had three naves, was abandoned by the monks and gradually deteriorated, being reduced first to two naves and then, after restoration and strengthening of the foundations in 1972, to a single nave with sacristy. The Gothic style of the arches dates the building to the Middle Ages. Inside, there are partially preserved valuable frescoes by unknown artists, the execution of which can certainly be dated to the Middle Ages.
Culto
Although Pescara is a modern city, there are many religious sites of considerable importance, also from an architectural point of view.
CATTEDRALE DI SAN CETTEO in PESCARA
Place of worship
The cathedral of San Cetteo is the most important church in Pescara and bears the name of the city's patron saint. St Cetteus was drowned in the sea and carried by the currents to Pescara, where the population picked him up and buried him.
From here, this majestic church in his honour was built in 1933. The façade of the Cathedral of San Cetteo is made of white stone and has three entrance portals surmounted by rose windows and statues.
From here, this majestic church in his honour was built in 1933. The façade of the Cathedral of San Cetteo is made of white stone and has three entrance portals surmounted by rose windows and statues.
The left side is flanked by the bell tower and the right side by the baptistery. Inside the church, which has three naves, there are two chapels: on the right is the one dedicated to the patron saint, and on the left is the funerary chapel of Luisa D'Annunzio, mother of the poet Gabriele, where you can admire a painting by Guercino, the San Francesco.
On the first Sunday in July, a festival is held in his honour with a procession of all the boats into the sea and a crown of flowers is thrown into the sea in homage to the saint.
On the first Sunday in July, a festival is held in his honour with a procession of all the boats into the sea and a crown of flowers is thrown into the sea in homage to the saint.
CATHEDRAL OF SAN GIUSTINO BISHOP AND MARTYR IN CHIETI
Place of worship
A few kilometres from Pescara is the ancient city Chieti, steeped in history and monuments. Its cathedral is dedicated to San Giustino Bishop and Martyr. Dating back to the time of Teodorico (840 AD), it was enlarged in the 11th century with the construction of the crypt. It has an impressive entrance with a staircase that ends in a beautiful portal with a slender bell tower to the left.
The interior features side chapels, altars and a high altar; two staircases lead to the crypt under the presbytery, which has an irregular layout and is divided into small naves. Among the artworks present is the marble ark from 1432 containing the relics of San Giustino and ancient frescoes on the walls. The crypt leads to the magnificent Suffrage Chapel, home of the Archconfraternity of Monte dei Morti, which is also responsible for organising the spectacular and historic Good Friday procession. The event attracts crowds of believers and tourists to admire the suggestive procession, lit by torches, to the sound of the Miserere music.
A few kilometres from Pescara is the ancient city Chieti, steeped in history and monuments. Its cathedral is dedicated to San Giustino Bishop and Martyr. Dating back to the time of Teodorico (840 AD), it was enlarged in the 11th century with the construction of the crypt. It has an impressive entrance with a staircase that ends in a beautiful portal with a slender bell tower to the left.
The interior features side chapels, altars and a high altar; two staircases lead to the crypt under the presbytery, which has an irregular layout and is divided into small naves. Among the artworks present is the marble ark from 1432 containing the relics of San Giustino and ancient frescoes on the walls. The crypt leads to the magnificent Suffrage Chapel, home of the Archconfraternity of Monte dei Morti, which is also responsible for organising the spectacular and historic Good Friday procession. The event attracts crowds of believers and tourists to admire the suggestive procession, lit by torches, to the sound of the Miserere music.
BASILICA OF THE HOLY FACE IN MANOPPELLO
Place of worship and a place of pilgrimage
Nearby is Manoppello, a small village known and frequented by the faithful for the Basilica del Volto Santo. This place is particularly mystical and suggestive because of the presence of a veil depicting the image of a face, a male face with long hair and a beard.
It is said to be the True Image of Christ, imprinted on a cloth with which a pious woman, Veronica, wiped Christ's face on the road to Calvary. It is impressive to see this face full of suffering but also of serenity, with the marks of the beating and the broken septum of the nose.
The image portrayed, according to one tradition, is "acheropite", i.e. an image that is "not drawn or painted by human hand", and has a unique characteristic: the image is identically visible from both sides.
Nearby is Manoppello, a small village known and frequented by the faithful for the Basilica del Volto Santo. This place is particularly mystical and suggestive because of the presence of a veil depicting the image of a face, a male face with long hair and a beard.
It is said to be the True Image of Christ, imprinted on a cloth with which a pious woman, Veronica, wiped Christ's face on the road to Calvary. It is impressive to see this face full of suffering but also of serenity, with the marks of the beating and the broken septum of the nose.
The image portrayed, according to one tradition, is "acheropite", i.e. an image that is "not drawn or painted by human hand", and has a unique characteristic: the image is identically visible from both sides.
SANTUARIO DEL MIRACOLO EUCARISTICO and LANCIANO
Place of worship and a place of pilgrimage
Lanciano is home to the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. According to Catholic tradition, the 'Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano' refers to an event that took place in the town of Lanciano in the first half of the eighth century: while a priest was celebrating mass, at the moment of consecration, the host and wine were transformed into flesh and blood. This is the oldest Eucharistic miracle actually documented: the earliest testimonies do not specify the exact year in which it took place, but some historical circumstances allow us to place it chronologically between 730 and 750.
The relics of the phenomenon are kept inside the church of San Francesco, in the historic Borgo district. In 1996, a museum dedicated to the miracle was built in the convent of San Francesco. It contains ancient documents related to the event, and a path that leads to the foundations of the ancient convent of San Legonziano and the catacombs of the Diocletian Bridge.
Lanciano is home to the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. According to Catholic tradition, the 'Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano' refers to an event that took place in the town of Lanciano in the first half of the eighth century: while a priest was celebrating mass, at the moment of consecration, the host and wine were transformed into flesh and blood. This is the oldest Eucharistic miracle actually documented: the earliest testimonies do not specify the exact year in which it took place, but some historical circumstances allow us to place it chronologically between 730 and 750.
The relics of the phenomenon are kept inside the church of San Francesco, in the historic Borgo district. In 1996, a museum dedicated to the miracle was built in the convent of San Francesco. It contains ancient documents related to the event, and a path that leads to the foundations of the ancient convent of San Legonziano and the catacombs of the Diocletian Bridge.
Culture
TRAIN MUSEUM in MONTESILVANO
At the Montesilvano station, you can visit a small but very interesting Museum on the History of the Train. It is very well organised and has a strong historical impact. It houses old trains of unsurpassed charm, perfectly restored and preserved: 2 locomotives (years 1924 and 1964) and 8 towed vehicles, as well as various artefacts and memorabilia, including themed carriages and period clothing, faithful testimonies to the railway activity of the past.
The museum is particularly fascinating for children! They can enter a wagon and admire all the period equipment: control panels, telegraph, signs for the deaf and dumb, stationmaster's uniforms with the famous red hat - a world far, far removed from their own, but one they are fascinated by and delighted with. Their interest is further aroused by the display of models of some of Abruzzo's railway stations as well as a beautiful miniature train in perfect working order and built in scale.
The museum is particularly fascinating for children! They can enter a wagon and admire all the period equipment: control panels, telegraph, signs for the deaf and dumb, stationmaster's uniforms with the famous red hat - a world far, far removed from their own, but one they are fascinated by and delighted with. Their interest is further aroused by the display of models of some of Abruzzo's railway stations as well as a beautiful miniature train in perfect working order and built in scale.
MUSEUM OF THE PEOPLE OF ABRUZZO in PESCARA
The Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo is located in the historic centre of Pescara and is housed in the premises of the old fortress of Pescara, used in the 19th century by the Bourbons as a penal bath. Inside the 13 rooms of the museum, the history and traditions of the people of Abruzzo are traced, from prehistory to the present day.
It is an itinerary that starts with the Neolithic populations, then moves on to the Iron Age and the time of the Roman conquests. There are many reconstructions that allow everyone to understand what life was like many hundreds of years ago in Abruzzo. Afterwards, the route winds its way through the traditional customs of Abruzzo, presenting the typical clothes of the shepherds, the ritual of transhumance, the way milk and its derivatives have been produced for centuries. The ancient ways in which oil and wine were produced are shown. There is also a section devoted to the games that children once made themselves.
It is an itinerary that starts with the Neolithic populations, then moves on to the Iron Age and the time of the Roman conquests. There are many reconstructions that allow everyone to understand what life was like many hundreds of years ago in Abruzzo. Afterwards, the route winds its way through the traditional customs of Abruzzo, presenting the typical clothes of the shepherds, the ritual of transhumance, the way milk and its derivatives have been produced for centuries. The ancient ways in which oil and wine were produced are shown. There is also a section devoted to the games that children once made themselves.
PAPARELLA MUSEUM VILLA URANIA in PESCARA
The Museum is housed in an eclectic 19th-century villa in the heart of Pescara, opposite the central Piazza della Rinascita. It houses the Paparella Treccia Devlet Collection, which consists of 151 selected masterpieces of Castelli majolica art, arranged chronologically. The decoration of the ceramics documents the transition from the "compendiario" style, characterised by the essentiality of the elements, to the "istoriato" style, in which allegorical, mythological, hunting and war scenes are used.
Among the most valuable works are the most complete testimony of a baroque arms service, consisting of 19 pieces with the coat of arms of the purchaser. It was made in the workshop of Francesco Grue, with famous works by Carlo Antonio Grue, including the oldest Castellian example of a soup tureen, and two valuable consoles produced for Emperor Leopold I of Austria, later passed to the Savoy family. The Paparella Foundation is committed to spreading knowledge of Castelli majolica and also periodically hosts exhibitions dedicated to important artists such as Goya, Picasso and Chagall, displaying various cycles of engravings.
Among the most valuable works are the most complete testimony of a baroque arms service, consisting of 19 pieces with the coat of arms of the purchaser. It was made in the workshop of Francesco Grue, with famous works by Carlo Antonio Grue, including the oldest Castellian example of a soup tureen, and two valuable consoles produced for Emperor Leopold I of Austria, later passed to the Savoy family. The Paparella Foundation is committed to spreading knowledge of Castelli majolica and also periodically hosts exhibitions dedicated to important artists such as Goya, Picasso and Chagall, displaying various cycles of engravings.
GABRIELE D'ANNUNZIO'S CHRISTMAS HOUSE in PESCARA
In the heart of Pescara Vecchia, at Via Manthoné 111, you will find this splendid museum housed in an austere residence: this is where the fighting Vate, the great Gabriele D'Annunzio, was born.
It is certainly not his studio, but his birthplace, where his life is recounted in an intimate and private manner, his family and his affections. You enter a different dimension, you can almost feel his presence in the rooms thanks to the verses of his poems written everywhere. The visit begins with a video that is very useful for understanding the entire tour, which tells the story of the poet's life as a child, and then we go around the rooms on the ground floor where there are clothes and letters. Going upstairs, we visit the bedrooms of his parents, his aunt, where there are furnishings, period furniture, clothes and objects belonging to the writer and his family.
It is certainly not his studio, but his birthplace, where his life is recounted in an intimate and private manner, his family and his affections. You enter a different dimension, you can almost feel his presence in the rooms thanks to the verses of his poems written everywhere. The visit begins with a video that is very useful for understanding the entire tour, which tells the story of the poet's life as a child, and then we go around the rooms on the ground floor where there are clothes and letters. Going upstairs, we visit the bedrooms of his parents, his aunt, where there are furnishings, period furniture, clothes and objects belonging to the writer and his family.
Landscape and Nature
The strength of Abruzzo is exactly the naturalistic aspect, perhaps still little known to the masses and for this reason even more interesting and authentic. The proximity to the most famous touristic places allows the visitor who stays in Montesilvano to visit the region at his own pleasure. To reach them comfortably both with half-day excursions for those who do not want to go too far away or with trips that take the entire day for those who want to enjoy fully and without time the beauties of Abruzzo.
Small historic centres, located on the first hillside, where you can admire stunning views, as well as their own historical-architectural attractions, are Città Sant'Angelo, Silvi Paese and Atri. All are easily accessible within a radius of 30 km, and all are well-kept villages where you can try typical gastronomic specialities such as nevole, parrozzo, pizz'onda (typical fried pizza), liquorice, pecorino cheese and many others.
CERRANO COASTLINE
A special focus is placed on the beautiful Cerrano coastal strip on the Adriatic coast in the province of Teramo, between Silvi and Pineto, just a 15-minute drive away. The marine protected area is a stretch of coastline that extends for about three kilometres towards the open sea and about ten kilometres along the corresponding sandy coast. Here the beach appears as a wide, uniform golden ribbon of fine sand; in some places there is typical Mediterranean scrub, with dunes marking the edge of the beach and green pine forests refreshing the areas behind. Rare fauna and interesting historical and archaeological remains have been identified in the area. In particular, the coastal dune belt preserves noteworthy fauna such as the Kentish plover or the saffron on the beaches.
The most important architectural element within the marine protected area is the Cerrano Tower, one of the ancient coastal towers of the Kingdom of Naples. It is one of the few remaining intact examples of the dense network of coastal fortifications that served to repel the frequent attacks by Turks and Saracens from the sea. Torre Cerrano, whose construction dates back to 1568, owes its name to the stream of the same name, which descends from the hills of Atri and whose mouth is located 500 metres south of the tower, in the municipality of Silvi.
The most important architectural element within the marine protected area is the Cerrano Tower, one of the ancient coastal towers of the Kingdom of Naples. It is one of the few remaining intact examples of the dense network of coastal fortifications that served to repel the frequent attacks by Turks and Saracens from the sea. Torre Cerrano, whose construction dates back to 1568, owes its name to the stream of the same name, which descends from the hills of Atri and whose mouth is located 500 metres south of the tower, in the municipality of Silvi.
CALANCHI OF ATRI
A 25-minute drive will take you to the distinctive 'Calanchi di Atri', an erosive geomorphological phenomenon caused by water, typical of the Mediterranean climate; the calanchi are the most striking and spectacular form of the Adriatic hilly landscape: true natural sculptures.
TRABOCCHI COAST
The Costa dei Trabocchi is located on the stretch of Middle Adriatic coastline between Ortona and Vasto, which also inspired Gabriele D'Annunzio. Near San Vito Chietino, the writer bought a small fishermen's house which he turned into his love nest. The trabocchi, which he described as 'colossal spiders', provided the backdrop for at least part of the story told in his masterpiece The Triumph of Death. These bizarre constructions are fishing machines on piles, which according to some accounts should be credited to the Phoenicians. In reality, we do not know exactly to which period the trabocchi date back to, and the origins are uncertain. Whatever their origins, it is certain that we are talking about very special structures that offer an incredible panorama. They stand out against the blue of the Adriatic Sea and arouse great excitement.
Since last year, a cycle/pedestrian path is being built to connect the entire area, a route that allows you to see the trabocchi even more closely and, if you are interested, stop to eat in one of them, as well as enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. Its beaches are among the most fascinating of the entire Adriatic coastline. Magnificent places such as the beach of Ripari di Giobbe, now a protected area, or the small coves of the Gulf of Venus are well worth (re)discovering. Blue waters, fine sand and stunning views are guaranteed. If you are looking for a holiday in contact with nature, you will be spoilt for choice.
Since last year, a cycle/pedestrian path is being built to connect the entire area, a route that allows you to see the trabocchi even more closely and, if you are interested, stop to eat in one of them, as well as enjoy the stunning coastal scenery. Its beaches are among the most fascinating of the entire Adriatic coastline. Magnificent places such as the beach of Ripari di Giobbe, now a protected area, or the small coves of the Gulf of Venus are well worth (re)discovering. Blue waters, fine sand and stunning views are guaranteed. If you are looking for a holiday in contact with nature, you will be spoilt for choice.
