It
is thanks to historical isolation
from the mountains and a sensible
development policy that the natural
beauty of Abruzzo has remained
intact. Abruzzo has four regional
provinces including: L'Aquila,
Pescara, Chieti and Teramo. The
region stretches from the Apennines
to the Adriatic Sea, hosting the
highest mountains of Central Italy,
with landscapes of rugged beauty,
and peaks, often higher than 2,000
meters. Maintaining its cultural
identity and a low population density
(1.25 million residents in the
entire region) the Abruzzo region
has one of Italy's lowest crime
rates.
When you arrive in Pescara, you
will be tempted by its 6
1/2 miles of seaside promenade,
wide sandy
beaches and a large number of bathing
areas. It has become one of the
most popular resorts in the Mid-Adriatic.
History makes its presence felt
almost everywhere in the form of
old Abruzzo churches, castles,
villas, houses and Palazzi. L'Aquila
is the main province and the capital
of Abruzzo with its 70,000 residents
situated on the southwest side
of the Gran Sasso National Park
at 721m above sea level. The town
is characterized by its Romanesque
architecture as is much of the
Abruzzo region. As a university
town founded in 1458, L’ Aquila
is a lively and dynamic place that
often hosts jazz concerts and theatrical
performances. Like most towns in
the Abruzzo region, it combines
traditional and modern-day life
in true Italian style.
Romantic mountain villages are
found throughout the province.
Perhaps the most charming of all
these villages is Santo Stefano
di Sessanio. As a typical mediaeval
settlement, a tall, cylindrical
fortress stands proud surrounded
by lower buildings and encircled
by sturdy walls. Within these walls
sits a maze of narrow winding streets,
walkways, alleys and elaborate
buildings.
The village of Castel del Monte
is popular among cross-country
skiers in the winter because of
its close proximity to Campo Imperatore.
A cultural walk has been established
in the village. Roccaraso and Rocca
di Mezzo are popular skiing locations
(downhill and cross-country), as
well as the nearby village of Rocca
di Cambio (1433 m). These villages
are located in the Sirente Velino
regional park. Pescasseroli, the
largest town in the Parco Nazionale
dell'Abruzzo is also a good base
for skiing and other winter sports.
From the peaks of the Gran Sasso
to the wild wolves in the national
park; from its craggy medieval
hill towns to the parasols of the
Adriatic coast, Abruzzo has everything
that a first time visitor or Italophile
could wish for. Let your dream
home be a property in Abruzzo and
don’t miss that quality of
life, healthy living and cheaper
prices that you’ve been searching
for. |
