17 fun facts about Abruzzo you probably don't know
September 06, 2021
Not a fan of english? Try these:
When we talk about cities or countries, we frequently bring up those characteristic features that define them or curious facts for which they are widely known. Some classic examples are New York, known as the “Big Apple” and one of the main financial centers in the world, Paris as the “City of Light” and Rome as the “Caput Mundi”.
Now, when we talk about Abruzzo, what is the first thing that comes to our mind? For those who are familiar with the region, it’s probably its beaches, mountains, and food. Some people associate this region with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of its typical wines, while for the vast majority, Abruzzo is still an unknown place (for now 😉).
In this post we want to share with you 17 fun facts that you probably don’t know, and that we hope will increase your interest in this beautiful region.
1.- Abruzzo is one the youngest region in Italy
Different studies have revealed that what is known today as Abruzzo has been inhabited since the ancient stone age, also known as the Paleolithic period, millions of years ago. However, the Abruzzo region was born on December the 3rd of 1963, when through a constitutional text the old region of “Abruzzi and Molise” was disintegrated and the regions of Abruzzo and Molise were born separately. In addition, Abruzzo is one of the regions with the least population, according to the latest figures from the ISTAT for the year 2021, Abruzzo has approximately 1,300,000 inhabitants, which represents only 2% of the total population of Italy.
2.- "Il mille fiori della Maiella", the richest honey on Italy
In 2008, during the Roberto Franci contest promoted by the “Settimana del Miele” (honey week) movement, “Il millefiori della Maiella” was given the title of the richest honey in Italy. The award was awarded after a deep analysis in terms of hygiene, smell, aroma, taste and purity. This honey is produced by the beekeeper Pietro Amoroso from Caramanico Terme.
But that is not all! In 2021 Abruzzo made a big splash at the prestigious London Honey Awards winning a total of four prizes for their varieties Arancio (platinum medal), Millefiori delle Montagne d’Abruzzo and Coriandolo (both won the gold medal). The jury issued the verdict after a “blind evaluation” where they just taste the honey without looking at the pack or where it comes from.
3.- Abruzzo is one the largest truffle producers in Italy
Italy is the second largest truffle producer in the world with around 700 thousand tons, only behind China, and according to the latest report “The Truffle Market in Italy” published by business.com, Abruzzo and Umbria are the regions with a higher production of truffles, both represent a total of 53% of the country’s production. In Abruzzo, black and white truffles are of high quality, and for some the region is considered “the largest natural truffle farm in Europe”.
4.- Abruzzo is known as the land of the "oro giallo"
Many of you will be familiar with saffron, one of the most expensive spices on the market. It is not only considered a luxury ingredient in cooking, but it is also known for its medicinal benefits as it helps fight depression and improves the digestion process. The Navelli Plateau, located in Aquila, is one of the richest areas for saffron in all of Italy. In fact, after Sardegna, Abruzzo is the second region with the highest production of saffrons in the whole country.
5.- Abruzzo is the greenest region in Europe
Its numerous national parks, natural reserves and protected green areas that cover around a third of its territory, give this region the title of “greenest region in Europe”. In Abruzzo, it is possible to find three national parks (Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, la Maiella the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise), more than 30 nature reserves, 14 lakes, 10 waterfalls and more. Given the nature of its territory, it is possible to practice simple but powerful techniques to restore your mind and body such as forest bathing, blue prescribing and meditation.
6.- Abruzzo has the first 4 highest peaks in the Apennines
The Apennines is that mountain chain with an extension of around 1,400 kilometers that goes from the north to the south of Italy. In Abruzzo you will find its 4 highest peaks, which makes this region an ideal destination for lovers of mountaineering.
The peaks are:
A- Corno Grande: 2,912 meters above sea level and is part of the Gran Sasso massif.
B- Monte Amaro: at 2,793 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Maiella National Park.
C- Mount Camicia: 2,564 meters above sea level and it is part of the Gran Sasso mountain range.
D- Monte Velino: 2,487 meters above sea level and the highest point of the Sirente Velino Regional Park.
7.- The largest underground research center in the world is in Abruzzo
I Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (The Gran Sasso National Laboratories), financed by the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), is considered the largest underground research center in the world. The idea was born in 1979 thanks to Professor Antonino Zichichi, then president of the INFN. The construction and excavation works began in 1982 and it was inaugurated in 1993. The laboratories are made up of 3 large rooms approximately 100 meters long, 20 meters wide and 18 meters high, plus a service tunnel through which large-scale transport can pass through, making a total volume of 180,000 cubic meters.
Due to the large amount of water present in the Gran Sasso, the temperature in the laboratories does not exceed 7 degrees and the humidity reaches almost 100% throughout the year. The laboratories are 1,400 meters underground, which makes the level of radioactivity and the impact of cosmic rays significantly lower compared to the surface. The laboratory is currently performing studies in areas that range from neutrino physics to dark matter search, to nuclear astrophysics, and also to earth physics, biology and fundamental physics.
8.- The highest castle inItaly is in Abruzzo
In Abruzzo it is possible to find different castles and fortresses, among them the Castle of Rocca Calascio, whose construction is estimated around the 12th century. It is the highest castle in Italy, located 1,460 meters above sea level and rated by National Geographic as one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the region and in the surroundings it is possible to visit the church of Santa Maria della Pietà and the village of Calascio.
9.- The narrowest street in Italy in is Abruzzo
In Abruzzo it is common to find particular and peculiar alleys in each of its towns. However, in Civitella del Tronto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, according to the association “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”, there is the narrowest street, also known as “ruetta d’Italia la via più stretta”. It is only 40 centimeters wide and in ancient times it was common to build this type of street with the aim of slowing down the pace of possible invaders and being able to attack them.
10.- Abruzzo is considered the land of the "confetto"
The Confetto, small candies made from almonds and sugar, has ancient origins, dating back to the Roman Empire. Currently its symbolic place is Sulmona, a town under the jurisdiction of the city of Aquila, capital of Abruzzo. There, is the oldest confetti factory, called Confetti Pelino, founded in 1783 by Berardino Pelino, the company is currently running operations at full capacity. The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies included the “confetti” in the list of Traditional Agri-Food Products of Italy, also giving it the P.A.T brand (traditional agri-food product).
In Italy “non c’è matrimonio senza confetti” (there is no marriage without confetti), and also “non esiste matrimonio reale senza confetti Pelino” (there is no royal marriage without Pelino confetti). Pelino confetti are preferred by many of the royal families in the world, ranging from the princes of Qatar to the English royalty. In fact, the Pelino confetti were present at the wedding of Charles and Diana, William and Kate and more recently at the wedding of Harry and Meghan.
11.- In Abruzzo you will find the highest hostel in Europe
The “ostello lo zio” is the highest hostel in Europe and is located at the foot of the Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif at 2,115 meters above sea level and right next to what used to be the Gran Sasso cable car, now turned into a museum. The hostel grants immediate and direct access to the ski slopes and also has a restaurant where it is possible to try some of the typical dishes of the region and it can be reserved for conferences, events, ceremonies and private parties.
12.- The oldest glacier of the Apennines is in Abruzzo
The calderone glacier is the oldest glacier in the Apennine mountain range. It is estimated to be the last remaining glacier after the last ice age. The glacier is located between 2,650 and 2,850 meters above sea level in the Pietracamela territory, under the jurisdiction of the city of Teramo.
13.- Abruzzo has the most panoramic railway in Italy
For train travel lovers, Abruzzo seems to be an ideal place. In Abruzzo you will find the Transiberiana d’Italia, considered the most panoramic railway in Italy, due to the splendid views that can be appreciated from the main plateaus of Abruzzo. The road runs for a section of around 120 kilometers and connects with the town of Isernia in the Molise region. One of the stations included in the route is the Rivisondoli – Pescocostanzo station, considered the second highest railway station in all of Italy, located at 1,268 meters above sea level. It is also known as the “Piccola Transiberina” due to the large amount of snow that can be found during the winter season, very similar to the Great Trans-Siberian that runs from Moscow to Vladivostok.
14.-Abruzzo, a natural film set
Abruzzo is considered a natural set for movies. The Castle of Rocca Calascio and the Campo Imperatore plateau have been the natural settings preferred by many directors. Proof of this are the films Ladyhawke (1985) and The Name of the Rose (1986). Also known is the film The American (2010) with George Clooney recorded in Sulmona and Castel del Monte.
15.- Abruzzo is the land of natural heritage and biodiversity
Ancient beech trees, huge and ancient trees located in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park were at the time the first natural heritage of Italy. Recently, the Maiella National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. In this park it is possible to find 25% of the flora of the whole country and in Abruzzo’s territory it is possible to locate 70% of all the animal species of Europe. Additionally, there are different centers or areas of wildlife throughout the region, including the wolf, the marsican brown bear, the chamois, the eagle, the deer and much more.
16.- The longest horse track in Italy is in Abruzzo
L’Ippovia del Gran Sasso d’Italia (horse track), is considered the longest horse trail in Italy with an extension of around 320 kilometers. This track goes through 3 of the 4 main cities in Abruzzo: Aquila, Pescara and Teramo. Currently, the Nexum Equum Ippovia del Gran Sasso project aims to recover and promote the ippovia.
17.- Abruzzo is part of the longest trekking trail in the world
“Va ‘sentiero” is considered the longest trekking trail in the world with 354 stations spread over 7,000 kilometers and 20 regions throughout the Italian territory. Abruzzo covers 321 kilometers in 16 different stages. In each of them you can find trails with different levels of difficulty and typical cultural and culinary aspects of each of these locations that will allow to get to know the best of Abruzzo.
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17 fun facts about Abruzzo you probably don't know
September 06, 2021
Not a fan of english? Try these:
When we talk about cities or countries, we frequently bring up those characteristic features that define them or curious facts for which they are widely known. Some classic examples are New York, known as the “Big Apple” and one of the main financial centers in the world, Paris as the “City of Light” and Rome as the “Caput Mundi”.
Now, when we talk about Abruzzo, what is the first thing that comes to our mind? For those who are familiar with the region, it’s probably its beaches, mountains, and food. Some people associate this region with Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of its typical wines, while for the vast majority, Abruzzo is still an unknown place (for now 😉).
In this post we want to share with you 17 fun facts that you probably don’t know, and that we hope will increase your interest in this beautiful region.
1.- Abruzzo is one of the youngest region in Italy
Different studies have revealed that what is known today as Abruzzo has been inhabited since the ancient stone age, also known as the Paleolithic period, millions of years ago. However, the Abruzzo region was born on December the 3rd of 1963, when through a constitutional text the old region of “Abruzzi and Molise” was disintegrated and the regions of Abruzzo and Molise were born separately. In addition, Abruzzo is one of the regions with the least population, according to the latest figures from the ISTAT for the year 2021, Abruzzo has approximately 1,300,000 inhabitants, which represents only 2% of the total population of Italy.
2.- "Il millefiori della Maiella", the richest honey in Italy
In 2008, during the Roberto Franci contest promoted by the “Settimana del Miele” (honey week) movement, “Il millefiori della Maiella” was given the title of the richest honey in Italy. The award was awarded after a deep analysis in terms of hygiene, smell, aroma, taste and purity. This honey is produced by the beekeeper Pietro Amoroso from Caramanico Terme.
But that is not all! In 2021 Abruzzo made a big splash at the prestigious London Honey Awards winning a total of four prizes for their varieties Arancio (platinum medal), Millefiori delle Montagne d’Abruzzo and Coriandolo (both won the gold medal). The jury issued the verdict after a “blind evaluation” where they just taste the honey without looking at the pack or where it comes from.
3.- Abruzzo is one of the largest truffle producers in Italy
Italy is the second largest truffle producer in the world with around 700 thousand tons, only behind China, and according to the latest report “The Truffle Market in Italy” published by business.com, Abruzzo and Umbria are the regions with a higher production of truffles, both represent a total of 53% of the country’s production. In Abruzzo, black and white truffles are of high quality, and for some the region is considered “the largest natural truffle farm in Europe”.
4.- Abruzzo is known as the land of the "oro giallo"
Many of you will be familiar with saffron, one of the most expensive spices on the market. It is not only considered a luxury ingredient in cooking, but it is also known for its medicinal benefits as it helps fight depression and improves the digestion process. The Navelli Plateau, located in Aquila, is one of the richest areas for saffron in all of Italy. In fact, after Sardegna, Abruzzo is the second region with the highest production of saffrons in the whole country.
5.- Abruzzo is the greenest region in Europe
Its numerous national parks, natural reserves and protected green areas that cover around a third of its territory, give this region the title of “greenest region in Europe”. In Abruzzo, it is possible to find three national parks (Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, la Maiella the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise), more than 30 nature reserves, 14 lakes, 10 waterfalls and more. Given the nature of its territory, it is possible to practice simple but powerful techniques to restore your mind and body such as forest bathing, blue prescribing and meditation.
6.- Abruzzo has the first 4 highest peaks in the Apennines
The Apennines is that mountain chain with an extension of around 1,400 kilometers that goes from the north to the south of Italy. In Abruzzo you will find its 4 highest peaks, which makes this region an ideal destination for lovers of mountaineering.
The peaks are:
A- Corno Grande: 2,912 meters above sea level and is part of the Gran Sasso massif.
B- Monte Amaro: at 2,793 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Maiella National Park.
C- Mount Camicia: 2,564 meters above sea level and it is part of the Gran Sasso mountain range.
D- Monte Velino: 2,487 meters above sea level and the highest point of the Sirente Velino Regional Park.
7.- The largest underground research center in the world is in Abruzzo
I Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (The Gran Sasso National Laboratories), financed by the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), is considered the largest underground research center in the world. The idea was born in 1979 thanks to Professor Antonino Zichichi, then president of the INFN. The construction and excavation works began in 1982 and it was inaugurated in 1993. The laboratories are made up of 3 large rooms approximately 100 meters long, 20 meters wide and 18 meters high, plus a service tunnel through which large-scale transport can pass through, making a total volume of 180,000 cubic meters.
Due to the large amount of water present in the Gran Sasso, the temperature in the laboratories does not exceed 7 degrees and the humidity reaches almost 100% throughout the year. The laboratories are 1,400 meters underground, which makes the level of radioactivity and the impact of cosmic rays significantly lower compared to the surface. The laboratory is currently performing studies in areas that range from neutrino physics to dark matter search, to nuclear astrophysics, and also to earth physics, biology and fundamental physics.
8.- The highest castle in Italy is in Abruzzo
In Abruzzo it is possible to find different castles and fortresses, among them the Castle of Rocca Calascio, whose construction is estimated around the 12th century. It is the highest castle in Italy, located 1,460 meters above sea level and rated by National Geographic as one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the region and in the surroundings it is possible to visit the church of Santa Maria della Pietà and the village of Calascio.
9.- The narrowest street in Italy is in Abruzzo
In Abruzzo it is common to find particular and peculiar alleys in each of its towns. However, in Civitella del Tronto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, according to the association “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”, there is the narrowest street, also known as “ruetta d’Italia la via più stretta”. It is only 40 centimeters wide and in ancient times it was common to build this type of street with the aim of slowing down the pace of possible invaders and being able to attack them.
10.- Abruzzo is considered the land of the "confetto"
The Confetto, small candies made from almonds and sugar, has ancient origins, dating back to the Roman Empire. Currently its symbolic place is Sulmona, a town under the jurisdiction of the city of Aquila, capital of Abruzzo. There, is the oldest confetti factory, called Confetti Pelino, founded in 1783 by Berardino Pelino, the company is currently running operations at full capacity. The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies included the “confetti” in the list of Traditional Agri-Food Products of Italy, also giving it the P.A.T brand (traditional agri-food product).
In Italy “non c’è matrimonio senza confetti” (there is no marriage without confetti), and also “non esiste matrimonio reale senza confetti Pelino” (there is no royal marriage without Pelino confetti). Pelino confetti are preferred by many of the royal families in the world, ranging from the princes of Qatar to the English royalty. In fact, the Pelino confetti were present at the wedding of Charles and Diana, William and Kate and more recently at the wedding of Harry and Meghan.
11.- In Abruzzo you will find the highest hostel in Europe
The “ostello lo zio” is the highest hostel in Europe and is located at the foot of the Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif at 2,115 meters above sea level and right next to what used to be the Gran Sasso cable car, now turned into a museum. The hostel grants immediate and direct access to the ski slopes and also has a restaurant where it is possible to try some of the typical dishes of the region and it can be reserved for conferences, events, ceremonies and private parties.
12.- The oldest glacier of the Apennines is in Abruzzo
The calderone glacier is the oldest glacier in the Apennine mountain range. It is estimated to be the last remaining glacier after the last ice age. The glacier is located between 2,650 and 2,850 meters above sea level in the Pietracamela territory, under the jurisdiction of the city of Teramo.
13.- Abruzzo has the most Panoramic railway in Italy
For train travel lovers, Abruzzo seems to be an ideal place. In Abruzzo you will find the Transiberiana d’Italia, considered the most panoramic railway in Italy, due to the splendid views that can be appreciated from the main plateaus of Abruzzo. The road runs for a section of around 120 kilometers and connects with the town of Isernia in the Molise region. One of the stations included in the route is the Rivisondoli – Pescocostanzo station, considered the second highest railway station in all of Italy, located at 1,268 meters above sea level. It is also known as the “Piccola Transiberina” due to the large amount of snow that can be found during the winter season, very similar to the Great Trans-Siberian that runs from Moscow to Vladivostok.
14.- Abruzzo, a natural film set
Abruzzo is considered a natural set for movies. The Castle of Rocca Calascio and the Campo Imperatore plateau have been the natural settings preferred by many directors. Proof of this are the films Ladyhawke (1985) and The Name of the Rose (1986). Also known is the film The American (2010) with George Clooney recorded in Sulmona and Castel del Monte.
15.- Abruzzo is the land of natural heritage and biodiversity
Ancient beech trees, huge and ancient trees located in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park were at the time the first natural heritage of Italy. Recently, the Maiella National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. In this park it is possible to find 25% of the flora of the whole country and in Abruzzo’s territory it is possible to locate 70% of all the animal species of Europe. Additionally, there are different centers or areas of wildlife throughout the region, including the wolf, the marsican brown bear, the chamois, the eagle, the deer and much more.
16.- The longest horse track in Italy is in Abruzzo
L’Ippovia del Gran Sasso d’Italia (horse track), is considered the longest horse trail in Italy with an extension of around 320 kilometers. This track goes through 3 of the 4 main cities in Abruzzo: Aquila, Pescara and Teramo. Currently, the Nexum Equum Ippovia del Gran Sasso project aims to recover and promote the ippovia.
17.- Abruzzo is part of the longest trekking trail in the world
“Va ‘sentiero” is considered the longest trekking trail in the world with 354 stations spread over 7,000 kilometers and 20 regions throughout the Italian territory. Abruzzo covers 321 kilometers in 16 different stages. In each of them you can find trails with different levels of difficulty and typical cultural and culinary aspects of each of these locations that will allow to get to know the best of Abruzzo.