Villages, Monuments and Attractions in Abruzzo

Origins and strategic role

Between the 11th and 14th centuries Abruzzo became a land of borders and passageways: here the interests of the Normans, Swabians, Angevins and later the Aragonese met. Castles were built to control ridge routes, transhumance tracks and access to the inner valleys, acting as military outposts and administrative centres for the surrounding territory.

Many fortifications stand on rocky spurs or panoramic hilltops: not only for defence, but also as visible symbols of power. Fortresses such as Rocca Calascio, the castles of Ocre, Roccascalegna and Capestrano still tell the story of this control over the landscape and local communities.

From fiefs to fortified villages

Around the fortresses, walled villages grew, with gateways, towers and defensive walls. The castle was the heart of feudal power: justice, taxes and alliances were managed here. Over time, many military structures were transformed into noble residences, adapting to new housing needs and to a different political balance between noble families, the Kingdom of Naples and ecclesiastical powers.

Earthquakes, wars and abandonment have profoundly changed these settlements, but in many cases medieval traces are still visible in the walls, towers and urban fabric of the historic centres.

Castles and Abruzzo’s landscape

Castles in Abruzzo are often set in spectacular natural scenery: plateaus, gorges, valleys and viewpoints over the Adriatic Sea. This close relationship between defensive architecture and environment makes a visit not only a historical experience but also a scenic one, ideal to combine with trekking, loop routes and itineraries between villages.

Today many fortresses are panoramic viewpoints, home to museums, cultural events and historical re‑enactments. Some castles are easily accessible by car, others require short walks along paths or old mule tracks, keeping alive the link between walking, history and landscape.

Between art, faith and history

Abruzzo preserves an outstanding monumental heritage, ranging from Romanesque architecture to great medieval abbeys, from rock sanctuaries to Renaissance squares. Each province has symbolic places where spirituality, art and collective memory intertwine.

Among the most representative monuments are the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila, a masterpiece of Abruzzo Romanesque, Piccolomini Castle in Celano, the Church of San Pietro ad Oratorium in the Sagittario Valley and the San Gabriele Sanctuary at the foot of the Gran Sasso, a pilgrimage destination for visitors from all over Italy.

Historic centres and identity architecture

Many villages preserve squares, fountains, city gates and noble palaces that tell centuries of history. Places such as Sulmona, Scanno, Penne and Guardiagrele offer itineraries full of views, craft workshops and monuments perfectly integrated into the urban fabric.

Religious architecture, often set in natural landscapes, is one of the most distinctive elements of the region: hermitages, abbeys and sanctuaries are cultural and spiritual landmarks.

Must‑see monuments

• Basilica of Collemaggio – L’Aquila
• Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria – Pescara
• Piccolomini Castle – Celano
• Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio – Majella
• Fontana delle 99 Cannelle – L’Aquila
• Church of Santa Maria Arabona – Manoppello

A widespread heritage

The villages of Abruzzo are small treasure chests of history: stone alleys, medieval arches, intimate squares, noble palaces and Romanesque churches tell centuries of community life. Many historic centres have preserved their original structure, offering an authentic journey back in time.

Places such as Scanno, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Pacentro, Penne and Civitella del Tronto are emblematic examples of this heritage, each with its own cultural, gastronomic and landscape identity.

Traditions and local life

Life in the villages still follows ancient rhythms: patronal feasts, markets, craft workshops, traditional crafts and recipes handed down through generations. Visiting these places means coming into contact with a living culture, made of everyday gestures and genuine hospitality.

Many villages are also gateways to trails, hermitages, castles and Apennine viewpoints, making them perfect for itineraries that combine history and nature.

Villages not to miss

• Santo Stefano di Sessanio – Fortified village in white stone
• Scanno – The “village of photographers”
• Pacentro – Dominated by the Caldora Castle
• Civitella del Tronto – Bourbon fortress and panoramic historic centre
• Penne – Brick town with Renaissance art
• Castel del Monte – Pastoral traditions and high‑altitude architecture

Villages among mountains, plateaus and valleys

Abruzzo offers villages that seem made for trekking: gateways to historic paths, hermitages, hilltop castles and landscapes that change with the seasons. Hikers will find routes for all levels, from gentle walks to more demanding ascents.

Places such as Castel del Monte, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Pacentro and Villalago are real natural balconies over the Apennines, perfect for those who want to combine history, nature and photography.

Experiences between nature and traditions

Many villages preserve ancient transhumance tracks, mule paths and ridge routes that once connected communities and pastures. Today these routes have become highly evocative hiking itineraries, often loop‑shaped and easy to combine with cultural visits, tastings and moments of relaxation.

The variety of landscapes—plateaus, gorges, woods, lakes and ridges—makes every outing different and surprising, ideal for those who love walking immersed in nature.

Villages ideal for trekking

• Castel del Monte – Direct access to the Gran Sasso plateaus
• Santo Stefano di Sessanio – Trails towards Rocca Calascio and Campo Imperatore
• Pacentro – Trekking with views over the Maiella and Monte Morrone
• Villalago – Routes among gorges, hermitages and Lake San Domenico
• Scanno – Panoramic loops and the famous “heart trail”
• Civitella del Tronto – Itineraries between fortress, ridges and woods

Active and outdoor holidays

Abruzzo is one of Italy’s richest regions for those who love outdoor activities. Trekking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, kayaking and horse riding are just some of the possibilities between the Gran Sasso, Majella, Sirente‑Velino and the Abruzzo National Park.

• Trekking – Panoramic trails and loop itineraries
• Mountain biking – Dirt tracks and ridge trails
• Skiing & snow – Ski areas of the Gran Sasso and Majella
• Water sports – Kayak, SUP and canyoning

Cultural and village‑based holidays

For those who love history, art and traditions, Abruzzo offers intact medieval villages, castles, Romanesque abbeys and a widespread network of museums. Perfect for slow itineraries, guided visits and cultural weekends.

• Historic villages – Scanno, Pacentro, Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• Castles and fortresses – Rocca Calascio, Roccascalegna, Ocre
• Monuments and abbeys – Collemaggio, San Clemente a Casauria

Sea and relaxation holidays

The Abruzzo coast alternates sandy beaches, rocky coves and the famous Costa dei Trabocchi. It is ideal for families, couples and anyone looking for tranquillity, clean sea and good food.

• Equipped beaches – Silvi, Pineto, Giulianova
• Costa dei Trabocchi – Cycle paths and coves
• Relaxation & wellness – Farm stays, spas, quiet villages

Food and wine holidays

Abruzzo is also a region to discover at the table: arrosticini, mountain cheeses, DOC wines and local products make every trip a journey of taste.

• Wine routes – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano
• Local products – Saffron, pecorino, honey, olive oil
• Experiences – Tastings, winery visits, farm stays