Abruzzo
- Abruzzo is mountainous with a spectacular scenery. The region is
rich in artistic an cultural heritage with medieval hilltop towns
and untamed countryside. The national parks straddle the Apennines
and offer hiking opportunities in summer and in skiing facilities
in winter. Sun seekers can head to the Adriatic resorts.
In Abruzzo there is the forest of the Parco Nazionale d´Abruzzo
in the south and the Gran Sasso d´Italia a massif of stark peaks
with the Apennines` highest mountain, the Corno Grande (2914 m).
Abruzzo is a grazing territoriy and its sheep farmers still play an
important role in the local economy, in particular in Piana del Fucino,
east of Avezzano.
The medieval towns of L’Aquila and Sulmona are well worth visiting
and the countryside is speckled with an array of castles and isolated
hilltop borghi. L´Aquila with a population of 70.000 and an
elevation of 715 m is the coldest regional capital in Italy. The castle
is L’Aquila’s most impressive monument. Offering wonderful
views over the Gran Sasso d’Italia, it today houses the Museo
Nazionale d’Abruzzo. The “Fountain fo the 99 Spouts”
is a symbol of the city. The source of the constant supply of fresh
water remains a mystery, but throughout the city’s turbulent
history it has often proved a lifesaver.
The Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga lies within
Abruzzo, but it also spills over into Lazio and Le Marche. The park
has a network of rifugi for walkers.
Sulmona is a charming little town, hemmed in by mountains. The town
makes a good base for exploring southern Abruzzo. The Parco Nazionale
della Majella stretches to the east of Sulmona. Within it are Monte
Amaro and 30 other peaks that exceed 2000m.
The Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo is the most popular of the region’s
national parks. Incorporating 1100 sq km of the Apennines, it is ringed
by an external protected area of 1500 sq km. This is trekking territory,
with well-marked trails ranging from easy family jaunts to serious
hikes.
Pescara is a heavily developed seaside resort and commercial centre.
Jazz fans should take in the annual international jazz festival, held
in the second half of July at the Teatro D’Annunzio.
