In our most recent post we mentioned that Abruzzo is not just the right place to practice slow, sustainable and active tourism. Abruzzo is also the region of the most beautiful villages in Italy. In fact and according to the association of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” (association founded in 2001 with the aim of valuing the immense heritage of small municipalities), Abruzzo is the third region with the most towns belonging to this exclusive club with a total of 24 villages.
As many of you will know, Abruzzo is a region that is formed of 4 major cities: Aquila (the capital), Pescara, Chieti and Teramo. In the last post, we listed the most beautiful towns that are part of the jurisdiction of the city of Pescara. In this post, we will mention the municipalities that belong to the jurisdiction of the city of Chieti.
In total there are 4 and these are: Casoli, Guardiagrele, Rocca San Giovanni and Pretoro.
Casoli
The village of Casoli was recently included in the club of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is located on one of the many hills near the fiume Aventino. One of the main places to visit is the Castello Ducale, also known as Castello Masciantonio that dominates the entire hill. Not far from Casoli it is possible to visit the lake of Sant’angelo and the lake of Serranella. Some of the typical dishes of Casoli are the mela piana, agnello alla Casolana (lamb) and porchetta casolana (pork).
@dipaolomauirizio
Guardiagrele
Guardiagrele is known as the “city of stone” (this is how the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio narrates it in his poem the triumph of death) or also as the Maiella’s door, due to its proximity to the Maiella mountain.
Crafts are a vital part of the identity of this municipality. It was in Guardiagrele that the school of Nicola di Guardiagrele, a famous Italian goldsmith and painter, emerged. Some of the most representative places to visit are the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Duomo Museum and its historic centre.
Additionally, Guardiagrele is also the starting point for hiking excursions throughout the Maiella National Park.
Well known are its confectionery and pastry production. Especially noteworthy are the nougat, macaroni, marzipan and the famous sise delle monache (sponge cakes filled with pastry cream and sprinkled with icing sugar).
Guardigagrele - @thecitynextdoor
Rocca San Giovanni
Rocca San Giovanni is located 155 meters above sea level and a few meters from the beaches of the Costa dei Trabocchi. The central square, the church of San Matteo Apostolo, the panoramic terrace and its particular alleys represent the most striking places.
Its proximity to the Costa dei Trabocchi makes this town an even more attractive place. La Foce beach, the trabocco Punta Cavalluccio (which it’s also a restaurant specializing in seafood), the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere and the Promontorio D’Annunziano (panoramic terrace) are some of the most representative places in the area.
Rocca San Giovanni is also known as the city of wine. Renowned are its production of wine doc Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo.
Rocca San Giovanni - @thecitynextdoor
La Foce - @thecitynextdoor
Pretoro
The town of Pretoro is located on the east side of the Maiella. This municipality arises around the year 1,600 after the destruction of the castle of Pretoro. Woodwork is one of the most important features of this town. Among its most striking places are its historic centre, the churches of San Nicola and San Andrea Apostolo and in its proximity is located the Passolanciano – La Maielletta ski resort, from which you will be able to see the Adriatic sea while skiing if days are sunny and clear enough.
