The City Next Door

3 must see places in Abruzzo through 9 pictures

March 23, 2023

We enjoy and love writing about Abruzzo and all the wonders and experiences this splendid region has to offer. However, in some cases words are not enough. All of Abruzzo is a photographic set, which is why we want to show you 9 photos of what we think are 3 places that you should see if you are in Abruzzo.

These three places . . mmm actually four, they are all fascinating and will captivate you from the very first moment. In addition, they are close to each other, so it is possible to visit them all in one day.

Without saying anything further . . .

Eremo & Lago di San Domenico

The first stop on our trip is the Lago and Eremo of San Domenico. For those who don’t know, “gli eremi” are small chapels or sanctuaries, which are generally located far from populated areas and where meditation and contemplation were practiced in ancient times. Gli eremi, are an important part of Abruzzo’s identity , and they are perfect spots for those who seek peace, silence and stillness.

The Lake of San Domenico is an artificial lake that is located in the Sagittarius Valley and draws the attention for its emerald green waters. A stone bridge connects the strada regionale 479 sannita with a small beach called Prato Cardoso, which also suitable for picnics. From this point begins the S2 Lago di San Domenico – Villalago hiking trail, which connects the lake with the town of Villalago. This trail is approximately 3 kilometres long and is suitable for anyone, including children from the age of four. During the journey, it is possible to observe the lake and the whole valley  from two points in particular, the terraza panoramica and the pineta.

On the other side of the bridge there is the Eremo di San Domenico, where it is believed that the bendettino monk, San Domenico lived. Within that area and among people in the whole region, San Domenico is considered the protector from storms, fever, rabies and bites of wild and poisonous animals.

Scanno

In addition to being one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and renowned for its goldsmith tradition and feminist costumes, Scanno is also known for being the “city of photographers.”

Henri Cartier-Bressom, pioneer of journalistic photography and precursor of surrealist photography, immortalized Scanno in the ’50s and his photos have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions.

Scanno, is located largely within the territory of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, and the feeling we had when visiting it was that of being in “presepe vivente”  (living nativity scene), in which it was impossible not to notice its ancient and enormous gates, squares, fountains and alleys.

Scanno Abruzzo Italy

Villalago

The third and last stage of our trip was, like Scanno, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Villalago. If what you are looking for is stillness in the middle of nature, then this is the perfect place to be. 

In addition to its proximity to the Eremo and Lake of San Domenico and Lake of Scanno, Villalago is located right on the Monte Argoneta, specifically in the upper part of the Valley of Sagittarius. Wherever you look, you will see the green of the hills and mountains that dominates Abruzzo all.

A curious fact, in this small town of approximately 520 people, we could find 5 churches! . . . and from its panoramic tower you can see the entire valley and Lake of San Domenico.

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3 must see places in Abruzzo through 9 pictures

March 23, 2023

We enjoy and love writing about Abruzzo and all the wonders and experiences this splendid region has to offer. However, in some cases words are not enough. Abruzzo all is a photographic set, which is why we want to show you 9 photos of what we think are 3 places that you should see if you are in Abruzzo.

These three places . . mmm actually four, they are all fascinating and will captivate you from the very first moment. In addition, they are close to each other, so it is possible to visit them all in one day.

Without saying anything further . . .

Eremo & Lago di San Domenico

The first stop of our trip is the Lago and Eremo of San Domenico. For those who don’t know, “gli eremi” are small chapels or sanctuaries, which are generally located far from populated areas and where meditation and contemplation were practiced in ancient times. Gli eremi, are an important part of Abruzzo’s identity , and they are perfect spots for those who seek peace, silence and stillness.

The Lake of San Domenico is an artificial lake that is located in the Sagittarius Valley and draws the attention for its emerald green waters. A stone bridge connects the strada regionale 479 sannita with a small beach called Prato Cardoso, which is also suitable for picnics. From this point begins the S2 Lago di San Domenico – Villalago hiking trail, which connects the lake with the town of Villalago. This trail is approximately 3 kilometres long and is suitable for anyone, including children from the age of four. During the journey, it is possible to observe the lake and the whole valley  from two points in particular, the terraza panoramica and the pineta.

On the other side of the bridge there is the Eremo di San Domenico, where it is believed that the bendettino monk, San Domenico lived. Within that area and among people in the whole region, San Domenico is considered the protector from storms, fever, rabies and bites of wild and poisonous animals.

Scanno

In addition to being one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, and renowned for its goldsmith tradition and feminist costumes, Scanno is also known for being the “city of photographers.”

Henri Cartier-Bressom, pioneer of journalistic photography and precursor of surrealist photography, immortalized Scanno in the ’50s and his photos have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions.

Scanno, is located largely within the territory of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, and the feeling we had when visiting it was that of being in a “presepe vivente”  (living nativity scene), in which it was impossible not to notice its ancient and enormous gates, squares, fountains and alleys.

Scanno Abruzzo Italy

Villalago

The third and last stage of our trip was, like Scanno, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, Villalago. If what you are looking for is stillness in the middle of nature, then this is the perfect place to be. 

In addition to its proximity to the Eremo and Lake of San Domenico and Lake of Scanno, Villalago is located right on the Monte Argoneta, specifically in the upper part of the Valley of Sagittarius. Wherever you look, you will see the green of the hills and mountains that dominates Abruzzo all.

A curious fact, in this small town of approximately 520 people, we could find 5 churches! . . . and from its panoramic tower you can see the entire valley and Lake of San Domenico.

Might interest you

9 landscapes from Abruzzo you have to see!

9 pictures that will make you fall in love with Abruzzo (Part 1)

9 of the most charming streets in Abruzzo (part 1)