Regions of Italy. Abruzzo region
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Abruzzo region is located in the center of the Apennine Peninsula and is one of the most colorful regions. Over 200 km of coastline along endless expanses Adriatic Sea, an impressive series of national parks and nature reserves, excellent resorts and most beautiful cities with a centuries-old history, shape the appearance of these places, making them extremely attractive for a huge army of tourists who visit the Italian coast every year.
Peculiarities
Abruzzo is famous not only for its magnificent beaches, beautiful lakes, noisy waterfalls, various natural scenery and historical sights, but also the best varieties of olives and grapes exported to different countries of the world. Agriculture, like tourism, is of great importance here, thanks to which this region For many years, it has been distinguished by enviable economic stability and a high standard of living. The mountainous regions of the region are known for their skiing and mountaineering bases, and the Adriatic coast is regularly visited by lovers of the bright sun and sea spaces. Most seaside towns are family oriented, but the entertainment industry is well developed and organized in the best way. transport connection between regions. All hotels are very good quality and most of them are three-star, focused on children's recreation.
general information
The territory of Abruzzo covers an area of about 10,800 square meters. km, and the population is just over 1.3 million people. In total, the region is divided into 4 provinces, each with its own administrative center. Local time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Official website www.regione.abruzzo.it.
A brief excursion into history
The territory of Abruzzo was inhabited long before the advent of our era. At first, tribes of gatherers and hunters lived here, then they were replaced by the Samnites and Vestins, and a little later the Romans came here. During the era of their rule, many settlements were built in the region and many new roads were laid. After the fall of Rome, these lands were raided by the Ostrogoths, as a result of which more than half of the existing cities were devastated. During the early Middle Ages, during the years of the Norman conquests, the region was divided into counties and included in the Kingdom of Sicily, created in 1130 and formed from Sicily, Malta and Southern Italy. A century later, he ascended to his throne french king Charles of Anjou. After the events of 1282, known as the Sicilian Vespers, Malta and Sicily broke away from the Angevin state, and Abruzzo became part of the Kingdom of Naples, in 1861 successfully becoming part of a united Italy.
Climate
Soft reigns in the region mediterranean climate, With big amount sunny days during a year. Winters are usually warm, with little rainfall and average temperature about +8 degrees. Summer is dry, and the thermometer often exceeds +30. Some natural disasters, in the form of severe storms or hurricane winds, it practically does not happen here, so you can visit the region at any time of the year.
How to get there
The nearest international airports to Abruzzo are in Rome and Rimini, from where it takes 2-3 hours to get to the nearest city by bus.
Transport
The settlements are connected with each other by bus and rail links. Ferries operate along the coast. The quality of the roads is very good, and you can rent a car at any rental point.
Major cities
The capital of the region is a city rising on a picturesque hill in the valley of the river Aterno. At some distance from him flaunts the highest mountain range Apennines - Gran Sasso. The city has a number of historical and cultural attractions, as well as several significant educational and administrative institutions. At a decent distance from L "Aquila is the capital of provincial shopping -. It has a reputation as the cultural, transport and port center of Abruzzo, moreover, it is only 155 km from Rome. From many points in the region there are bus tours to such historical shrines of Italy as, Pompeii.Among the most famous natural objects of the region, visited by tourists, stands out the National Park of Abruzzo, where the most beautiful natural landscapes are combined with unique medieval archaeological sites.Also, the majestic limestone massif Majella, with mysterious gorges, the Gran Sasso-Monti della National Park is quite famous. Laga, the reserves of Monte Rotondo and Quarto Santa Chiara, the territorial park of the river Vomano.In total, about a third of the entire area of the region is occupied by reserves.
Main resorts
The coast of Abruzzo is characterized by a variety of reliefs, while its South part more rocky and the beaches in this area are sandy and pebbly, unlike other places where sand cover prevails. One of the most famous seaside resorts here is, with a large number of cozy hotels and developed infrastructure intended for tourists of all categories. In addition, children's and youth camps are concentrated in this area. For measured rest recommended picturesque, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The most glamorous resort of Abruzzo is considered, with its comfortable modern hotels and rich entertainment program. In the immediate vicinity of the Abruzzo National Park, it lies at the foot of the Gran Sasso mountain, thanks to which it has a reputation as the most picturesque resort areas. All the beaches of the region are excellently equipped and have everything you need, from sunbeds and umbrellas to rental shops. water transport and sports grounds. The entrance to the water, in most cases, is gentle, which is an important factor for those who come to relax here with their children.
Attractions and entertainment
Perhaps the richest in attractions in the region is the city of Vasto, where there is a whole scattering of interesting architectural sites, including the picturesque Castello Caldoresco fortress, the d "Avalos palace, the San Giuseppe Cathedral and other attractions. The Punta Aderci nature reserve is located in the same area. Not a less vivid and rich example of the historical and cultural treasury of Abruzzo is Pescara, where the Cathedral of San Setteo, the Palace of the Government, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Apostle Andrew, as well as the house of the writer Gabriel D "Annunzio stand out. You can admire the city from the Ponte del Mare bridge. In Montesilvano, you should definitely visit the Church of the Holy Madonna della Neve and the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. Quite a few interesting places there are other cities in the region that you can visit during bus tours. Almost every resort has nightclubs and entertainment establishments not to mention all kinds of water activities. For family vacation the chic Onda Blu water park, considered the largest in Italy, is recommended. lovers thrill offers a variety of tourist hiking and cycling routes through the most difficult mountainous areas and scenic trails.
Kitchen
In Abruzzo, you can try an impressive number of all kinds of culinary creations. In restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and eateries various cities visitors are offered hundreds of options for national pasta, as well as meat dishes, sheep cheese, vegetables, fruits, baked potatoes and more. For dessert, cakes and ice creams of various types are served for every taste. Among the drinks, the aromatic liqueur Rafatia, the red wine Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and the white wine Trebbiano d'Abruzzo stand out.
Red wine Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Abruzzo is very attractive tourist destination for a large number of travel lovers. Here you can fully enjoy the beauty natural landscapes, learn a lot about the history and culture of Italy, have a great rest on the shores of the Adriatic Sea and get a powerful boost positive emotions by visiting unique archaeological excavations or having made unforgettable ascents on the picturesque mountain slopes.
In the central part of Italy, surrounded by mountain and sea landscapes, is located marvelous region Abruzzo. The small territory of the region (10.8 thousand square kilometers) is divided between four provinces - Pescara, Teramo, Chieti and L'Aquila.
Eastern coastline magnificent beaches and a variety of ski resorts make it possible to relax in Abruzzo at any time of the year.
Due to the absence of large industrial enterprises, a special attitude towards nature has been formed here. The national parks of the region carefully preserve unique, reserved places that are the pride of the peninsula.
Location of Abruzzo on the map of Italy
There are many attractions in the Abruzzo region:
You can get acquainted with the sights of the region and learn many other facts about this corner of Italy by watching the video:
Kitchen
The culinary preferences of the inhabitants of the Abruzzo region are incredibly versatile compared to other regions of the country.
Thanks to favorable geographical features, seafood, meat dishes, and a variety of vegetables and fruits are popular here.
In addition to seafood, local culinary includes trout and crayfish, which are bred in mountain rivers region. The olive groves and vineyards that cover the valleys of Abruzzo are the source of excellent olive oil and excellent wine. The world-famous delicacy black and white truffles are also mined here.
Truffle, a world famous delicacy, grows in Abruzzo
Raising sheep and goats provides the opportunity to produce amazing cheeses such as pecorino, caciocavallo, ricotta.
The magnificent delicate taste of the product is due to the addition of spices, which are also grown in this rich land.
The most popular spice in Abruzzo is saffron. This amazing taste can be found in almost all dishes of the region, including Italian gelato.
Weather
The mild Mediterranean climate of the region allows you to discover beach season already at the beginning of May. The air temperature at this time reaches 20-21 °C. Swimming weather in Abruzzo will continue until mid-October. The temperature then starts to drop and winter period is at least 10 °C. What is a great reason to join the active species winter vacation.
Rest
Abruzzo is unique place, where there is everything you need for a full, informative and varied pastime.
Starting from " old Italy with its fortresses, temples, underground caves, alternating with beach activities, and ending with skiing at one of the many resorts that the Abruzzo mountains are famous for.
beach holiday
The Adriatic coast of the region receives a huge number of tourists in its resorts. In the vicinity of Pescara, tourists are popular the beaches of Lido di Pescara and Montesilvano.
Provinces Chieti also famous for its luxurious coastline With white sand and all the amenities for a great time.
Luxurious beaches of the Abruzia region await tourists
Popular beaches:
- Lido le Morges;
- Costa Verde;
- Mottagrossa.
Perfect for families with children beach at roseto degli- one of the most safe places in Abruzzo. A gently sloping bottom, sandy and pebbly shores, as well as a large selection of water activities that small tourists will be delighted with.
Silver beach or Alba Adriatica- the most attractive resort of Abruzzo.
The purest waters of the Adriatic Sea and scenic surroundings annually attracts about 50 thousand tourists.
So, in the high season it gets quite crowded here.
Leisure
majestic mountain ranges Abruzzo are perfect place for fans skiing. Impeccably equipped ski resorts offer guests a decent range of cozy hotels and many ski slopes of varying difficulty. Alto Sangro- the most famous ski resort, in the location of which there are such ski slopes like Pescocostanzo, Rivisondoli, Roccaraso.
The ski resorts of Abruzzo will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts
One of popular places for holidays in the center of Italy is Massif Gran Sasso, located near the town of Farindola, in one of the colorful provinces of Abruzzo - Pescara.
It offers resorts with all amenities - Prati De Tivo, Prato Selva.
In the province L'Aquila there is a record number of ski resorts, among which Campo Imperatore and Monte Cristo stand out.
thermal springs
For vacationers who came to Italy to improve their health, the ideal option would be to visit the thermal springs located in one of the most beautiful cities of Abruzzo - Caramanico Terme. In the Roveto Valley there is another resort where you can recuperate and improve your health - this is Canistro Terme. No less effective in the treatment of various diseases are mineral water Popoli and Rayano.
IN thermal springs Abruzzo is the place to relax
How to get there
Airplane. In one of the provinces of the Abruzzo region - Pescara is located international Airport, which is an undoubted advantage for tourists from other countries. The nearest airports to the area are in Rome () and Rimini (Federico Fellini). From Pescara Airport, you can get to the city by using the regular bus. From the airports of Rome and Rimini to L'Aquila or Pescara - by train.
Train. From central station Termini in Rome has regular trains to the Abruzzo region. Travel time from Rimini to L'Aquila, the capital of the region, will take about 4 hours. It will take 3-3.5 hours to get to Pescara.
Read more: www.trenitalia.com
Bus. From Tiburtina station in Rome, there are about 20 flights to L'Aquila. Travel time is about 2 hours. You can order tickets on the website: https://www.flixbus.it/
To get from Rimini to Pescara, you should use the timetable: baltour.it. The road to the city will take 3.5 hours.
Automobile. If you use the A24 highway, then after some 2 hours you can drive from Rome to the capital of the region.
Where to go
After staying in the picturesque Abruzzo, you can visit Rome, which is located at a distance of 120 km from L'Aquila. It is also worth admiring the historical sights of Rimini, located 280 km from the province. And at a distance of 170 km is one of oldest cities Italy is colorful.
Incredible edge mountain scenery, endless olive groves, gentle waters of the Adriatic and hospitable people…
This is all about the beautiful surroundings of Abruzzo, which is royally located in the very center of the Apennine Peninsula and occupies a worthy place among other no less beautiful regions of Italy.
Abruzzo region, famous for its mountain landscape and wildlife, is located in the central part of Italy and stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
High in the mountains, among the pristine peaks and rocks, are located tourist resorts and complexes equipped for skiing and other winter sports: Pescasseroli, Rivisondoli and Roccaraso.
Breathtaking panorama of high and hard-to-reach peaks Gran Sasso, Monti della Laga y Maiella smoothly passes into a spacious hilly valley, stretching to the very coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Traveling from Gran Sasso to the sea coast, you will have to pass through never-ceasing surprises richest history and cultural and artistic traditions of places.
On the journey, you will find a narrow serpentine of valleys winding among mountains and hills, natural historical routes, among which one of the most picturesque and captivating places should be noted: the valley Valle del Aterno, which is decorated with ancient settlements.
Reserves located in the region: national park Abruzzo, Gran Sasso y Monti della Laga National Park, as well as Maiella Park - they amaze not only with their beauty, but also with an example of an attitude towards nature. Here with special attention belong to the protection local flora and fauna represented by eagles, wolves and Marsican bears.
For northern coast of Abruzzo long sandy beaches are characteristic, for the south - rocky, pebbly.
Charming little towns, ancient monasteries and castles adorn mainland region, so the number of routes here, in the greenest region of Italy, is truly endless.
Provinces of the region: L "Aquila (the administrative center of the region), Pescara, Teramo, Chieti.
One of the most significant sights of the region from an artistic point of view is regional center L "Aquila. Located on the slopes of Gran Sasso, this city has collected priceless examples of the artistic heritage of the past: magnificent Basilica of San Bernardino; fortress of the 16th century; Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio; fountain "99 jets", decorated with the same number of masks made of stone.
The city of the Celestial Indulgence offers many historical, artistic and religious itineraries.
Unfortunately, the earthquake that severely hit the city and its environs on April 6, 2009 caused great damage to the priceless cultural heritage region.
In and around L'Aquila, there are many monuments that remind of the complex history of the region, from famous castle Castello di Celano, where today the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Religious Art are located, and ending with the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Alba Fucens.
Among the endless sandy beaches Adriatic coast special place occupies an important tourist centre Pescara, a city that has preserved the memory of the poet Gabriel D "Annunzio.
The attention of tourists is attracted by numerous seaside resorts: Tortoreto, Dzhulianova, Sylvie Marina, Roseto and, to the south, Ortona, Vasto and San Salvo.
The city of Chieti is also of historical value, located on a hill in close proximity to sea coast. Here is a magnificent cathedral, built in the XI century; of particular interest is the National Archaeological Museum, the collection of which includes numerous prehistoric exhibits, as well as evidence of Greek and Roman civilizations.
Teramo is another major regional center known for its medieval cathedral and the ruins of an ancient Roman theater and amphitheatre.
Numerous small medieval settlements "Borgs" - witnesses and keepers of ancient peasant civilizations - brought their traditions to our days through folklore and handicrafts.
One of the characteristic resorts of the Sangro Valley, located on the shores of a magnificent lake, is the town Scanno with its narrow streets, ancient palaces and city gates, made in the Baroque style.
Interesting historical monuments and traditions have been preserved in the homeland of the ancient Roman poet Ovid, in the town Sulmona. In addition to valuable monuments of art, it is interesting to see the famous hermitage of Celestine V.
The diversity of the Abruzzo landscape provides a wide range of varied and exciting holiday options.
Most high peaks Apennines and popular resorts Roccaraso, Rivisondoli, Pescasseroli and Campo Imperatore offer modern ski resorts with a system of pistes of varying difficulty for ski lovers skiing, snowboarding and snow rafting. Adherents cross-country skiing can plunge into magnificent scenery National Park Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.
Here you can practice various types sports in the bosom of nature: walking in hiking to take walks on mountain biking, as well as engage trekking directly on the territory of such protected areas like Gole del Sagittario. The Zompo lo Schioppo waterfall, as well as the Penne and Serranello lakes, are inhabited by the rarest species of birds.
The mountainous landscape around Gran Sasso and Sirente is ideal for mountaineering and climbing.
lovers riding waiting for a variety of excursion routes, A Gran Sasso i Monti della Laga park offers a multi-kilometer equestrian route that runs along reserved places unique beauty.
sea coast with its beaches and structures equipped with modern equipment provides the opportunity to practice any water sport: sailing, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing. Considerable space is also devoted to cycling, whose routes run through pine and beech forests. In the evenings you can have a good time at discos, bars and restaurants located along the entire coast.
Worthy of attention are the archaeological sites preserved in the Valle del Fucino valley. We are talking about the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Alba Fucens, once located at the foot of Monte Velino, a few kilometers from Avezzano, the ancient Roman mansions of "domuses" and necropolises. A satellite city of Imperial Rome, once it was located on the shore of a lake, which has long dried up by our time.
Also rich in choice religious routes to places of faith and worship, immersed in the pristine nature of the region. One of the most famous is the Celestine V hermitage, carved into the rock, as well as the Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria di Propezzano in the Vomano Valley and the church of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta in the town of Magliano de Marsi in the province of L'Aquila.
Departing from the Adriatic coast deep into the mainland, you can see numerous olive groves and vineyards, and, having reached the Peligna Valley, gastronomy lovers will be able to taste and appreciate the quality of local wines, olive oil and other products typical of the area.
And finally, we will definitely mention local folklore and religious holidays, such important events as the Feast of Forgiveness in L'Aquila, the Feast of the Snake Tamers in honor of St. Dominic in the town of Cocullo, the live Christmas nativity scene in Rivisondoli, September in Lanciano and many more gastronomic holidays " sagra" taking place in different time in various towns of Abruzzo. Visit at least one of them!
The Abruzzo region is also famous for its rich culinary traditions, unique and characteristic for each individual province.
The palm among the first courses belongs to "maccheroni alla kitarra" - a type of home-made pasta, cut using a special device with steel threads stretched. The province of Teramo is famous for its "skrippelle" - thinly rolled and sliced dough plates boiled in broth - and all kinds of bean soups. The coast is dominated by first courses of fish and seafood, often seasoned with tomato sauce, which further accentuates the taste of the "poor man's fish" caught here in the sea in old fishing villages. Typical for the province of Chieti, the second course is "scapeche" - fried fish preserved in vinegar, as well as fish soup "guazzetto", most often served in seaside towns and in a slightly modified version - in the province of Teramo.
IN mountainous areas, in the provinces of Teramo and L'Aquila, lamb meat, young goat meat, lamb, as well as sausages such as "lonza", "ventricina" and "prosciutto" ham.
No feast in Abruzzo is complete without carefully selected local wines: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Sangiovese And Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, well-known in Italy and far beyond its borders thanks to carefully calibrated production technology and an optimal ratio of price and quality. Also in the region, especially in the provinces of Chieti and Teramo, organic winemaking is developed.
