Many International tourists choose the ‘picture postcard’ appeal to the north of Italy, but to visit Abruzzo as well as many other southern locations, would be to experience an age-old Italian way of life, which has not altered for hundreds of years. Here you’ll discover historical beechwood forests populated by bears and wolves, ancient walkways, still utilized by colourfully attired shepherds, and ominous but picturesque castles, which shield the lonely stretches of wilderness, of which the only indication of life may well be a Golden Eagle soaring the skies, or perhaps a solitary group of mountain goats.
The area is largely mountainous and hilly, sloping from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennines. It embraces the greatest and most significant massifs of Southern Italy, with panoramas of robust and undamaged beauty. Within this section of the Adriatic, the coastline is generally sandy, with expanses that are substituted with steep and rugged hilltops.
The National Park of Abruzzo can be located inside the western area of the region, and harbours a number of animal species, including the Grey Wolf and the Marsican Bear. Abruzzo National Park is essentially the most substantial throughout Europe, and encompasses Maiella National Park, along with numerous other local parks. Plant life and animals are plentiful within these protected areas, where thick woodlands and blooming meadows, give way to snow-capped granite peaks and barren high plains.
A trip via the towns in the Abruzzo area could get started in Pescasseroli, the birth place of the great philosopher Benedetto Croce, which can be found in the region of L’Aquila. This town is well worth discovering, and has numerous intriguing locations to admire, from the Animal Park to the Museo Naturalistico, and the Apennine Garden which offers panoramic views including a pond and various unique flora varieties. Your visit really should also include a trip to the 12th century Abbey of Santi Pietro Paolo, which has been refurbished a number of times, and notably, houses a solid wood figurine of the Black Madonna. Lastly, quite a few winter season sports activities can be enjoyed in Pescasseroli, thanks to its modern-day skiing facilities.
For those seeking utter tranquillity and spectacular scenic beauty, unchanged for thousands of years, this area cannot be beaten for its startling and enchanting vistas.