Abruzzo: what to see and what to try. Travel to Abruzzo - the greenest region of Italy
Almost half of the region is occupied by reserves, of which there are several in Abruzzo: national park Abruzzo,Lazio and Molise (Parco Nazionale d "Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise)- the oldest in Italy, rich in rare fauna; Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga park (Parco nationale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga); mountain reserves Laga (Monti della Laga) And Mayela(Parco nationale della Majella).
Lovers of outdoor recreation should definitely visit one of several reserves in the region. Mayela National Park preserved the religious buildings of the past and thanks to them - the spirit of the Middle Ages. Here, in the gorges, like hundreds of years ago, you can see the dwellings of medieval hermit monks carved into the rocks. One of these hermits was in the 13th century the Roman pope Celestino V, who in the 13th century renounced his high rank in favor of prayer solitude - and was later canonized as a saint.
Near the park, at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, there is a cozy village Farah San Martino, which contains one of oldest pasta factories — De Cecco. Here you can visit the production, taste several types of ready-made pasta, sauces and cold-pressed olive oil - and, of course, any products of this brand, from classic spaghetti to unusual garganelli.
Abruzzo has the cleanest and most picturesque lakes- they are located near the cities of Scanno, Campotosto, Barrea and Bomba. Unforgettable are the 13 villages of the province of L "Aquila, which are included in the list of the 108 most beautiful communes in Italy. Among them, for example, Castel di Monte (Castel di Monte) And Navelli(Navelli).
In the the capital of Abruzzo- godode L "Aquila– many monuments of Italian culture and history: Basilica of St. Bernardino (Basilica di San Bernardino), 6th century castle, Basilica of St. Mary of Collemage (Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio), Fountain with 99 jets (Fontana delle 99 Cannelle), each emerging from the mouth of a stone mask.
On the southern border of the province, Castel di Sangro (Castel di Sangro), located architectural gem XII century - a magnificent cathedral Collegiata dell'Assunta, famous for its floor mosaics and masterpieces by Bernini, Michelangelo, Giovanni Pisano, Pinturicchio.
In the province Chieti there is a cathedral of the XI century, as well as National Archaeological Museum located in Ville Frigeri (Villa Frigeri). It is believed that Column of Saint Christopher in the city Atessa, which was erected in the middle of the 17th century to protect against the plague, has miraculous properties - anyone who prays near it to St. Christopher will save himself from illness.
Try to visit one of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Abruzzo - Liciano located on the coast Adriatic Sea. Located in the heart of the city Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte, the creation of the architect Michetelli; it has a Byzantine statue of the Madonna from the 8th century. If you go to the coast, you can see fishermen's houses a little lopsided from the waves. trabocci- wooden platforms high pillars with fishing nets hanging into the water; such structures were invented by local fishermen for fishing back in the Middle Ages.
Provinces Pescara located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, beautiful place for relaxing on the seashore: there are many well-maintained beaches, both sandy and sandy-pebble. One of the most picturesque places in Pescara is the coast Vasto. This charming city with a thousand-year history is located on a hill above the sea and is protected from strong winds by the ridge of the Apennines.
As for active winter recreation, most of the famous ski resorts located in the provinces of L "Aquila and Terami. The largest and famous resort — Alto Sangro (Alto Sangro), it ranks seventh in the national ranking in terms of the quantity and quality of services provided.
Those who like to get not only pleasure from the rest, but also benefits, we advise you to go to the thermal resort in the city Caramanico Terme (Terme di Caramanico) located in the province of Pescara at the foot of the national park. Bathing in the thermal waters of this area has long been used to treat many diseases - diseases of the upper respiratory tract, rheumatism, metabolic disorders, nervous system, skin and gynecological diseases. The resort has been known for over 100 years.
Wine Abruzzo
The wines of the Abruzzo region have been known since antiquity: they were ordered to their feasts by the Roman patricians. According to legend, the horses of Hannibal (216 BC) were cured of scabies with Abruzzo wine: the animals were simply bathed in it. Local winemakers regularly mention this and, apparently, this fact should somehow inspire wine gourmets.
Abruzzo is especially famous for its red wine. They are made mainly from grapes of the variety Montepulciano d'Abruzzo(This name has nothing to do with the Tuscan town of Montepulciano). Montepulciano d'Abruzzo with DOC status - one of the best-selling Italian wines in the world, it is juicy and generous, with a strong structure and an abundance of fruit tones. Wine with the indication of the variety can be produced in all four provinces of the region, according to the law, it is enough to have 85% Montepulciano grapes in the composition of the wine.
A special pride of the region is wine Colline Teramane with DOCG status. This is the same Montepulciano d "Abruzzo, only the title grape variety must contain at least 90%, and the production region covers thirty communes in the province of Teramo.
Montepulciano grapes also make pleasant rosé wines with intense color - cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Cerasuolo d "Abruzzo DOC).
White wine lovers will find Abruzzo fresh, drinkable and usually quite simple. trebbiano d'Abruzzo (Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC), which goes especially well with local coastal cuisine. The main composition of the wine - trebbiano abruzzese, bombino bianco and trebbiano toscano, which can be used separately or mixed together (they must be at least 85% of the grapes used).
Another local appeal Controguerra DOC, which combines red and white wines that can be still and sparkling (spumante). Each of these types of wine has its own rules for grape varieties; the unifying factor for the geographical designation is the location of wine production in the vicinity of the commune of Controguerra.
You can try many different wines and get acquainted with the richest and lightest of them by going along one of the main wine roads Abruzzo - Controguerra, Colline del Ducato, Colline Aprutine, Tremonti and Valle Peligna.
Abruzzo is famous not only for its wines, but also for the liquor produced here. Centerba with a strength of 70 ° and above, which is obtained by distillation of medicinal herbs ( centerba- "a hundred herbs"). This liqueur was invented by the pharmacist Benjamin Thoreau at the beginning of the 19th century and was first used as medicine. However, over time, amateurs began to apply to it not only and not so much for medical purposes, but for pleasure. If you want to get acquainted with this liqueur, but are shy before drinks of such a strength, you should like coffee and confectionery, to which a few drops are added. Centerba.
Cuisine of Abruzzo
The gastronomic traditions of the Abruzzo region are directly related to its geography. Abruzzo is conditionally divided into three parts - mountainous, sea and hilly. Each one with its own traditions.
On the countless mountain plains, the Abruzans graze their flocks of sheep, and in the crystal clear mountain rivers trout and crayfish are found (and bred). There are olive groves in the hills and valleys. In the forests - game.
While in Abruzzo, one cannot fail to try the signature dish of the region - spaghetti alla kitara. This pasta owes its name to the technology of preparation: the rolled dough is cut using a wooden frame with strings stretched inside. Spaghetti has a yellow color due to the egg yolks that are added during kneading. Spaghetti alla kitara is served with meat stew and thick tomato sauce.
The coastal cuisine of the region is famous for its fish dishes. The best known are fish soups from Pescara, San Vitoro and Vasto; tender oysters, shrimp and clams prepared in a variety of ways; what can we say about squids stuffed with king prawns with crumbled bread, garlic and parsley and boiled in white wine - one description is worth it!
Black and white truffles are mined in Abruzzo. Accordingly, to dedicate one of the dinners to truffles is an obligatory task of your trip. At least 28 varieties of these rare mushrooms are found in the province.
Cheese wealth of Abruzzo
The most popular cheese in Abruzzo is sheep's pecorino: This Pecorino d'Abruzzo, Pecorino di Atri and other geographical names. Pecorino is usually flavored with a lot of different spices. Cheese is made from sheep's milk Giuncatella abruzzese.
Quite popular in Abruzzo mozzarella fior di latte which is made from cow's milk. Other white cheeses made from cow's milk - Caciocavallo abruzzese, Caciofiore Aquila, Caciotta frentana, Caprino abruzzese as well as cheese Scamorza abruzzese, which can be both fresh and smoked.
In Abruzzo you must try the pies fiadone(Fiadone) stuffed with cheese and herbs. Traditionally, they are made at Easter, but the Abruzzo people love the combination of thin fried dough and cheese filling so much that they cook them on any other day. The most "Abruzzan" version of fiadone - with pecorino, egg and saffron, seasoned with white wine.
Golden saffron - a specialty of Abruzzo
Italian chefs consider Abruzzo saffron to be the best in the world. The history of saffron cultivation takes us back to ancient times, when the Greeks and Romans scattered the flowers of this plant in the theater to create a solemn atmosphere. Already in the Middle Ages, this spice began to be used in the preparation of almost all meat dishes. Saffron was an expensive pleasure: historical documents of the 15th century indicate that a pound of saffron cost as much as one horse. Since the 13th century, L'Aquila has been considered the main saffron region of Italy, which had practically no competitors. It was in this city that a law was issued punishing anyone who forged saffron from Abruzzo with the death penalty.
Saffron was named golden not only because of its characteristic color, but also because one flower has no more than three pistils, and to get one gram of saffron, it is necessary to collect and process at least two hundred flowers. Since this capricious flower does not accept mechanical work, the processing of saffron is completely given over to human hands, and this is quite a laborious job.
It is very difficult not to try spicy saffron in Abruzzo - it is added to almost all national dishes. Saffron is even used in the local cream gelato ice cream: thanks to it, the dessert acquires a rich yellow color and a spicy taste.
Abruzzo is the "green lungs" of Italy: 1/3 of the territory of the region falls on national parks and protected protected areas. That is why travelers come here who love to enjoy the beauty of nature, breathe in the purest air, enjoy the unique splendor of local lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, rich flora and fauna. Among other things, it is in Abruzzo that the best varieties of olives grow, from which excellent olive oil is obtained.
The capital of the region is the city of L'Aquila.
Geography
Abruzzo is a region of Italy located in the east peninsula. On the one hand, it has access to the Adriatic Sea. The climate of the region is significantly influenced by the sea. So, the coastal regions are quite warm, the climate in them is Mediterranean. A mountainous areas often subject to heavy snowfalls, winters are quite severe.
Most of the territory of Abruzzo is occupied by mountains. It is here that Corno Peak is located - the highest point of the Apennines. In the mountainous area is the National Park of Abruzzo, the largest and richest park in Italy. The largest rivers in the region are Tronto, Sangro, Aterno-Pescara. There are also lakes on the territory, such as Campotosto, Scanno.
Story
The territory of the region in the 5-3 centuries BC was called Samnia. The Samnites lived here. And in the 2nd century BC, the Romans conquered it. They built many cities, connected them with roads. After them, various tribes visited here, and the region was renamed Aprucium. From this word came the current name - Abruzzi.
The 13th century turned out to be the time of transition for the region under the authority of the Holy Roman Empire. On today's territory of Abruzzi you can see many architectural monuments preserved from those ancient times. These are Benedictine abbeys and churches.
In the 15th century, Abruzzi came under the rule of the Aragonese dynasty. Starting from the 17th century, the Bourbons dominated here (although there was a short period of Austrian domination). In 1646, as well as in 1703, the territory experienced strong earthquakes, which significantly damaged the architectural monuments of the cities of the region.
In the middle of the 19th century, Abruzzi became part of a united Italy. For a long time, the Abruzzo-Molise region existed as one administrative-territorial unit. And in 1963, in its place, two regions were formed under the names of Molise and Abruzzi.
culture
The Abruzzo region is known for both large cities and mountainous borgo settlements that have preserved the features of the Middle Ages to this day. Used in the building wild stone, thanks to which the houses look like a natural continuation of the mountainous terrain.
L'Aquila, Chieti and Teramo are very picturesque, where you can see cathedrals and ancient villas. The rich architecture allows these cities to be put on the same level with cultural capitals Italy - Rome, Florence and Venice.
Holidays
The Feast of Forgiveness in L "Aquila (Perdonanza Celestiniana) has been celebrated in the last days of August for more than seven hundred years. Back in 1294, the hermit monk Pietro Angeleri da Morrone became Pope Celestine V. At the same time, he issued a papal bull, called Bulls of Forgiveness, promising complete absolution of sins for those residents of the city who will enter the Basilica of Our Lady of Collemaggio from Vespers on August 28 until Vespers on August 29. No money was required - repentance, confession and a desire to enter the church.
The culinary traditions of Abruzzo are varied and original despite the fact that the region is one of the most conservative. Just imagine, 144 products are recognized as traditional here! Be sure to try Abruzzo sausages: ventricina (ventricina), mortadella (mortadelline di Campotosto), salami from L'Aquila (salame aquilano). Sheep meat dishes, roasted suckling pig (porchetta), fish broth (brodetto di pesce) are also popular here.
Cuisine of Abruzzo. Photo cucinaitaliana.it
Education
The University of L'Aquila is considered one of the oldest in southern Italy. It was founded back in 1596. However, 1964 is considered the second date of his birth. The 2009 earthquake unsettled established scientific traditions. Both the city and the university had to be raised from their knees. In the same year, graduates of the University of L'Aquila received their diplomas under the vaults of the tent.
Economy
As for the industry of Abruzzo, there are no large enterprises here. At the same time, there are a huge number of small and medium-sized ones. Many industries are developed in the region, houses are being successfully built, roads are being laid, machines, building materials are being produced, etc. Sheep breeding has been a traditional livestock industry here for many years, but today it is in decline. Fishing is developing quite successfully in the region, which today is a profitable business.
Transport
Pescara Airport (Aeroporto di Pescara; Aeroporto Internazionale dAbruzzo) annually serves more than 400 thousand passengers and is located 3 km from the city. The main highway, Aquila, is A24 Rome - L'Aquila - Teramo. The fare on public transport in Abruzzo is a little over 1 euro.
Demography
Life in the region is relatively stable. Per capita income in the region is lower than the national average, but higher than in others southern regions. It is also interesting that men and women live here longer than the Italian average. Big cities- L "Aquila (63,000 inhabitants), Pescara (115,000), Chieti (50,000), Teramo (48,000), Sulmona (26,000).
Tourism
L "Aquila is perhaps the most attractive city for tourists in the Abruzzo. Thanks to its rich centuries-old history, here you can see architectural monuments built in a variety of styles in different eras. L" Aquila is called the city of gray stone, which already says a lot about its appearance . The charm of this city lies in the elegant squares, the ferocious castle. And stepping over the ancient walls of the city, you find yourself in the picturesque park of Gran Sasso. Initially, there were 99 villages on the site of the city, each of which had its own church and fountain. That is why L "Aquila is also called the "city of 99 churches." True, most of these churches have not survived to this day. They suffered from earthquakes. But the main city bell still rings 99 times every evening. The number 99 is also found in the name of another attraction - the "fountain of 99 jets". Be sure to go to it and get acquainted with the romantic legend about its creation. The Church of the Templars, the Duomo Cathedral, the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary are also noteworthy. One cannot fail to mention the magnificence of the Basilica of St. combined with the Renaissance facade.
And of course, be sure to take a walk in the Gran Sasso mountains. During the war, it was there that Mussolini hid from enemies. Tourists will be interested in the National Museum, where the main surprise is the ancient skeleton of a mammoth. It is also worth visiting the Botanical Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences and much more.
City after the earthquake. Photo flickr.com
This one of the most major cities The region is famous for its wide stretching sandy coastline and variety of sights. In Pescara, be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Setteo, the Church of the Apostle Andrew and the Holy Spirit. A lot of interesting things can be found in the house of the writer Gabriel D'Annunzio, the Museum Della Genti D'Abruzzo. The fact that the above house is located in the Caserma quarter, located behind real fortress walls, attracts tourists. It can even be considered a miracle that this quarter was able to survive during the war. Lovers of picturesque landscapes are attracted by the Pineta d'Avalos grove. Nestled among the pine trees, the Liberty-style villas are able to inspire artists to create real masterpieces. The Aurum Concert and Exhibition Hall is also located here. Concerning modern architecture, remarkable Bridge Ponte del mare. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed on it. And the panoramic views from here are very picturesque. In July, Pescara annually gathers guests for the celebration of the Day of the Fisherman of Sant'Andrea. On this day, everyone drinks wine, tastes fish dishes, and admires the colorful fireworks.
Befana. Photo flickr.com
Sulmona
Sulmona is a fairly ancient city. This is evidenced even by the fact that it is reliably known that Sulmona is the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid. The city boasts many architectural monuments erected in different eras. Perhaps the most impressive is the medieval aqueduct. It extends 100 meters in length. It is decorated with an elegant arched span made using hewn stone. The aqueduct is not only one of the main decorations Sulmons, but also an interesting building in terms of its design.
Once in this city, it is impossible not to visit the complex of buildings built in the Renaissance, which eventually turned into one architectural monument. The most valuable is the Palace of the Blessed Annunziata. The construction process of this graceful palace lasted for about two centuries. Not far from the palace you can admire the Church of the Blessed Annunziata. These two magnificent buildings embody four centuries of architectural and fine art of the city of Sulmona. They present both the features of the Renaissance, and the signs of the Gothic, and the Baroque, and the unique local tradition of art. Today, the aforementioned palace houses the city museum. It is characterized by a very rich, multifaceted exposition. And the church, full of splendor, is still active. In Sulmon, they still adhere to ancient traditions. It is interesting to visit here during the great church holidays, such as, for example, Easter Sunday. In addition, real knightly tournaments are held here every year. This event began to be held in the 15th century. In the middle of the 17th century, the tradition died out for some reason. Since 1995, knightly tournaments have been resumed again. And perhaps, it is impossible not to mention the famous Sulmona sweets. Walking along Corso Ovidio, you can not pass indifferently past the bright shop windows with flowers made from sweets. They are called so - confetti di Sulmona.
Sulmon. Photo flickr.com
Celebrities
Italian poet, poet, writer, playwright Gabriele d'Annunzio (1863 - 1938) was born in Pescara. Already in 1879 he published the first collection of his poems. In 1983, Gabriele d'Annunzio married Duchess Maria Gallese. In marriage, 3 sons were born; nevertheless, the couple broke up due to the numerous betrayals of Gabriele. Despite this, the former spouses maintained a good relationship. In addition to plays and poems, Gabriele wrote the novel Flame, where he spoke about an intimate relationship with an actress. The woman was outraged to the core and soon the lovers broke up. Critics call his works vulgar because of the erotic revelations that permeate all his work.
Great poet. Photo wikipedia.it
Italy is a country that offers sightseeing and beach holidays to tourists and travelers from all over the world on the coast of one of the five seas that wash the shores of the state. Italy has many regions and areas, each of which is unique and authentic in its own way. One of these Italian regions you can safely call Abruzzo.
General information about the region
Abruzzo in Latin transcription is written as Abruzzo (Italy) is a region in the middle of the peninsula, located about 100 kilometers from Rome. Most of the area is a mountain range, on the slopes of which the locals like to grow grapes and make wine from it. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is popular to buy holiday property for foreigners and Italians. The population of the region is relatively small, it is 1.3 million people, the area is almost 11 thousand square kilometers. The region has a capital city, which is L'Aquila, and the largest and economic center can be called the coastal city of Pescara, here are the best beaches in the area.
Abruzzo, Italy - typical landscape of the region
The history of the region dates back to ancient times, when the lands were inhabited by various tribes and nationalities. Later, the region became part of the Roman Empire and was well developed, as resort place for the nobility, because it had a favorable location. Proximity to Rome, the presence of the coast beautiful sea and the mountains made this place popular place living among the patricians.
Interesting! In the Middle Ages, Abruzzo was alternately part of the Kingdom of Naples and the two Sicilian kingdoms. In 1861 it became part of a united Italy.
Weather and climate
The climate of Abruzzo is very diverse. In the mountains there is a temperate mountain type of climate with cool weather. On the plains near the coast, typical subtropical or Mediterranean types with high humidity are presented. There is a warm and mild winter period, precipitation in the mountains is frequent in the form of snow, and there is practically no snowfall on the coast. Summers are hot and humid, the season lasts from late spring to early autumn. Since most of the cities are located along the coast and on the plains, the average temperature is presented for this particular area.
Average temperature and rainfall by months:
- January - 6.1 °C, 95 mm - precipitation;
- February - 9.5 °C, 89.8 mm;
- March - 11.5°C, 98.9 mm;
- April - 14.5°C, 91.2 mm;
- May - 17.8°C, 76.4mm;
- June - 23.8°C, 48.3 mm;
Note! To visit the Abruzzo region for the purpose beach holiday it is recommended to come from the beginning of May to the end of September, this is the best time on the Adriatic coast. In order to get acquainted with the sights, the period of spring or autumn is suitable.
- July - 26.2°C, 24.4 mm;
- August - 26.6°C, 58.9 mm;
- September - 20.5°C, 75.6 mm;
- October - 17.5°C, 110.3 mm;
- november - 12.6°C, 142.3 mm;
- December - 10.1°C, 125.6 mm.
Infrastructure
Abruzzo, like all of Italy, has a solid and developed infrastructure, which is represented by many types of public transport in the country. Tourism infrastructure is also at a high level, the coast contains many hotels, beaches and places for recreation, various entertainments for tourists and travelers. In winter, the region is visited for the purpose of relaxing in ski resorts, which are popular far beyond the borders of the country. In summer, they come to the coast to relax on beaches and resorts. Most of the tourists come here from Rome and Fiumicino Airport. Also the city of Pescara has its own international Airport, it is the only one in the region. There are such types of transport with which you can get from airports:
Bus
Important! With this type of transport you can get from Rome, the distance to the coast is about 180 kilometers, the travel time will take about 2.5 hours. Buses run quite comfortable, allow you to conveniently move around the settlements and cities of the region.
Train
The railway network in Abruzzo is not well developed. Trains run from major cities to Rome, where you can change trains and travel to any part of the country.
Car rent
For this region, this type of transport is most suitable. You can rent a car at airports or visit the office of one of the car rental companies in cities. From Rome there is a good highway to the region, you can be on the seashore in a couple of hours. The country has offices of the world's largest car rental companies, you can choose a car for every taste and with any financial capabilities.
Tours and attractions
Abruzzo is considered one of the "greenest" regions not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. It is an ecologically clean corner of nature, there are three national parks here. The number of reserves is 38, which lovers like to visit wildlife and animals. Among the sights and monuments, there are several listed below.
Alba Futures
It is an ancient Roman colony and fortified objects discovered during excavations on the territory of this city. It was an important strategic and military city of the Roman Empire. The point at a height of about a thousand meters was fortified with walls, parts of which have survived to this day. But most valuable object can be called an amphitheater. The construction of the city was carried out from the 3rd century BC, and its development continued until the very decline of the Roman Empire. This is a very visited and one of the cult places not only in the region, but throughout the country.
Roman amphitheater
Fortress Kalasho
This is the highest in the country and one of the highest fortresses in the world, which was built in 1000. This fortification for the protection and control of the area is located at an altitude of 1460 meters and is one of the symbols of the region. Many films have been filmed here.
Maella National Park
The park, located in the province of Chieti, is concentrated in the Majella mountain range. Majella National Park covers 740 square kilometers and was the subject of a major international research project by GeForce, TaskForceMajella from 1998 to 2005. The park contains about 500 kilometers of hiking trails in the mountains, cave landscapes in Grotta Sant'Angelo and Grotta del Cavalone (the latter is one of the deepest caves in Europe open to the public).
Ancient cities of the region
There are several attractive cities with a rich history and medieval architecture. In the province called Chieti you can find an interesting stone city Guardiagrele. There is a historical fortress and an ancient center, completely made of stone.
City of Stone Guardiagrele
Recreation and entertainment
The main types of recreation and entertainment in the region in the winter is visiting ski resorts, which are on the first lines among similar ones in the country. In summer, the bulk of tourists and travelers go to the Adriatic coast for a beach holiday. Wildlife lovers can visit one of the three national parks and choose from a variety of nature reserves with hiking trails.
Location on the map
Abruzzo in Italy on the map is located in the central part of the country, at a distance of 100 kilometers from Rome. It is a mountainous area with a strip of the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Abruzzo on the map of Italy
Here are some interesting facts about the region:
- The highest population density is found in coastal areas, in the central mountains it is very small. Abruzzo is one of the least populated regions of the country;
- The largest lake in the region is Scanno, its area is 0.93 square kilometers.
Abruzzo is a popular tourist area that has to offer tourists ski vacation in winter and beach in summer. Anyone who visits this wonderful place will take with you the warmest memories of the trip.
The Abruzzo region in Italy is located in the central part of the Apennine Peninsula and is washed from the east by the Adriatic Sea. At the same time, most of the territory is occupied by mountains.
Such a rich variety of relief allows Abruzzo to be considered one of the beautiful regions countries. sparkling Mountain peaks are replaced by smooth lines of plains, mirror lakes are framed by protected forests, and along the coast stretch the most magnificent sandy beaches. All this, combined with the cleanest air, mild climate and a variety of attractions, attracts a lot of tourists of all ages and nationalities.
Business card
The Abruzzo region in Italy is called the "Green Zone of Europe": there are four large reserves, incredibly beautiful and rich. Nature lovers will find exciting walks along the hiking trails, river rafting - and an unforgettable pleasure from contemplating the surrounding nature.
The local climate is also very pleasant: mild winters give way to warm summers, without strong winds and prolonged precipitation. That's why holiday season here it lasts quite a long time - from the beginning of May until October.
What to see, where to visit
Sea resorts Abruzzo in Italy offers a serene and comfortable stay, which is perfect for all categories of tourists, including families with children. Among the most popular resorts worth mentioning:
Montesilvano- small town, with a cozy old center and modern hotel complexes along the coast. Children will love it here: there are children's clubs and animators in the hotels, and two local water parks (one of them, Onda Blu, is the largest in Italy) have a lot of slides and water activities.
IN Vasto you can find not only gorgeous beaches, but also bright monuments of antiquity: the formidable fortress of Castello Caldoresco, the Romanesque cathedral of San Giuseppe of the 13th century, the palace d?
Pescara- most significant city throughout the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is interesting for its architecture, museums, restaurants and nightclubs. And in the midst of the tourist season, the Pescara Jazz festival is held here.
Pineto- most fashionable resort coast of Abruzzo, and the beaches Silvi Marina recognized as the most beautiful in the region.
In general, all these resorts are distinguished by a very calm atmosphere and sincere hospitality. local residents. Tourists can relax and feel completely safe - which, unfortunately, is not always possible in busier areas.
Excursions and attractions.
What sights are worth visiting while relaxing in Abruzzo? Firstly, go to the capital of the region - the city of L'Aquila, walk along its narrow streets, see the numerous castles, palaces and museums, sit by the fountains in the ancient squares. Secondly, take an excursion to the Di Stiffe cave and see the underground waterfall. Next - go to the Abruzzo National Park and get acquainted with its richest flora and fauna. Visit small medieval towns (Scanno, Campotosto, Barrea and Bomba). And finally make day trip to Rome, Florence or Naples.
Friday. In a roadside diner, Baba Bianca, a barmaid, mixes cocktails for us. Actually, we asked for Campari-orange, but there is no Campari or Orange. And in general local population He doesn't drink cocktails and doesn't understand anything about them. These delicacies are usually offered only by hotels, of course, which cannot but take into account the preferences of tourists. Instead of Campari-orange, we get a martini with apricot juice. Having poured this mixture into beer glasses, Baba Bianca decides to take the initiative: she takes out a huge tablespoon, alternately lowers it into the glasses and carefully, very concentratedly stirs their contents. And then he watches with curiosity how these crazy foreigners drink such muck.
This is Pescara - the capital of one of the regions of the center of Italy - Abruzzo.
Saturday. On a local beach, two young people are standing in what their mother gave birth to. Clearly they had just bathed and now they are drying up. A girl of about six years old runs around them, carefully examining them. Then he runs up to us: "Aunt, who are they - angels?" This is also Pescara.
Sunday. We go to a nightclub (locally - something like Moscow's Up & Down), accompanied by " big man- one of the local financial tycoons. We ask: "Tell me, is there a mafia here?" He, after thinking, smiles: "No. The mafia is in Sicily, but here we are businessmen.” And this is Pescara.
We, Russian journalists, happened to be in Pescara on the occasion of the landing at the Pescara airport on May 3 of a plane from Russia, which was carrying out the very first flight on the Moscow-Pescara route. So the flight organizer, Russian tourist agency Marina Travel. D&G, with the participation of the Italian travel agency BEG viaggi, has taken the first step towards realizing its long-standing dream of turning Abruzzo into a permanent mass recreation Russian tourists.
Of course, the feet of our compatriots have trampled the Abruzzian soil before. But rarely. But now, with the advent of direct air traffic between Pescara and Moscow, this region of Italy is quite capable of competing with such a proven place as neighboring Rimini. After all, Abruzzo has everything you need for a pleasant summer pastime in every respect.
The province of Abruzzo is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and on the fourth is washed by the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. This geographical position makes the local climate even and stable. Neither prolonged rains, nor heavy winds in Abruzzo never happen.
Another important advantage of Abruzzo is the complete absence of industrial enterprises. Everything is in order with the environment.
The climate is good. Clean Air. The sea is transparent. The most place for life and work of "gentlemen of fortune". An no. The local police thought otherwise. And she led such an uncompromising struggle with thieves and swindlers of all specializations that they had to move to work in less environmentally friendly areas of Italy. So, unlike, say, Naples, you can walk here without clutching your purse to your chest and without checking the contents of your pockets every minute.
And in the capital of Abruzzo - Pescara, and in numerous coastal towns - Francavilla, Tortoretto Lido, Alba Adriatica, Montesilvano or Pineto - you can find hotels for every taste and every budget.
For example, those who dream of an exquisite stay in peace and quiet may well go to the Sporting Hotel Villamaria, which stands in picturesque forest near Francavilla. True, accommodation in such a hotel will cost the client $112 per day, but there is so much luxury and pleasure around! What is worth at least the hotel park, covering an area of 6 hectares, in which lovers of horseback riding can ride horses.
Those who want to combine leisure with work (to hold a scientific and practical conference, a business seminar or just occasionally lie on the beach without falling out of the usual working rhythm) are waiting for the newly built Berti Hotel. There is everything that is necessary for living "business people": 50 (!) conference rooms that can accommodate up to 7,000 people at a time, personal computers in each room, a satellite communication station and a bunch of other things necessary for businessmen. In this, the first year of its work, the hotel administration has set super-preferential prices for customers: only $120 per day. But in the future, prices are expected to rise significantly.
And yet, first of all Abruzzo region valued by small, two or three star hotels built for clients without special requests. Each of these hotels is practically a private boarding house, in which the owner knows his guests by face and name, and in some hotels he also performs the duties of a chef or head maid.
Life in such small hotels is unassuming and cheap. For a room you pay about $$30-35 per day. They feed you twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. And if you want to take care of the daily food on the shoulders of the owner, then there is nothing easier: pay an additional $ 10, and you are guaranteed a delicious and hearty lunch.
The price of accommodation usually includes drinks (which is very rare in Europe, and especially in Italy) - half a liter mineral water and 250 grams of wine at dinner, as well as the use of intra-hotel entertainment: a disco, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a mini-water park. That's just on the beach for umbrellas, sunbeds and chairs sometimes you have to pay separately, but quite a bit - about $ 5.
As a rule, each hotel owner, in addition to the standard set of services, tries to come up with something branded for his clients. For example, in Paradiso you will certainly be offered to visit nearby restaurant, which is owned by the owner of the hotel himself, taste home-cooked dishes and drink home-made wine; in San Marco - go fishing on the high seas; in Duca Abruzzo - visit an amateur performance.
And in general, things are more than good with entertainment in Abruzzo. Numerous dance classes, discos, small pubs and bars are happy to open their doors to everyone. Lovers over thrill they can take a catamaran and sail on it to the open sea, however, no further than the coast police allows. Or take an accelerated course in scuba diving and then spend the whole vacation in the depths of the Adriatic.
If you have time and desire, you can visit the local water park Onda Blu - " Blue Lagoon", one of the largest water parks in Italy. It opens in mid-June and runs until mid-September. For only $ 17 in the water park, you can indulge in entertainment all day and even dance in a disco located right there in the open air.
And those who prefer to dance in the evening and behind closed doors are invited by the Plaza disco located on the territory of the water park - a favorite vacation spot for the Abruzzians themselves. Music plays here from 11 pm to 4-5 am, with a tape recorder playing in one room, and dancing to live music in the other. For those who want to learn how to dance beautifully, the Plaza organizes short-term dance courses - for some reason, Latin American dance courses are especially popular.
By the way, if you suddenly decide to come to the water park with your beloved dog, then keep in mind: even though the dog will not be allowed into the territory, it will be able to wait for you in a very comfortable aviary. (For those who don't know: Italians are great dog lovers and try to take into account the interests of the smaller brothers as much as possible.)
Of course, among the tourists who come to Italy there are many who want to thoroughly (or not) get acquainted with the sights of the country. This interest of foreign guests in Abruzzo is taken into account. And they offer a lot of excursions, first of all - to Rome, Naples and Pompeii, as well as to the city of Sulmona and the National Park of Abruzzo.
These excursions are not very expensive. For example, for visiting Naples and Pompeii as part of a small group (25-30 people) you need to pay about $25, and for the joy of communicating with the eternal city- about $30. This amount includes everything, including the services of a guide.
Naturally, Abruzzo, like almost any region of Italy, is of some value to our ubiquitous "shoppers". After all, here is one of the largest wholesale centers in the country - Ibisco. In its pavilions stretching for almost a kilometer, in addition to the standard set of Italian shoes, leather goods and clothes, you can buy chic fabrics and accessories, elegant underwear and much, much more. And the most indelible impression is made by the department selling window dressing details - both mannequins of all colors and sizes, and huge wind-up and inflatable toys. With all this goodness, you can easily turn general store to an elegant salon of the beginning of the century or to an abandoned shipyard - whatever you like.
In a word, Abruzzo gives everyone the opportunity to satisfy their interest. Except, perhaps, picky people, for whom anywhere on the planet the water is not wet enough, and the sun is not hot enough, and the sand is not yellow enough, and in general everything is bad no matter what. And I can advise everyone else with a light heart: buy a ticket for the Moscow-Pescara flight and in three hours you will find yourself in a modest, but cheerful and country-style cozy corner Italy - Abruzzo.
Valeria MOZGANOVA
