Abruzzo is one hour from Rome and feels like another century. One-third of the region is protected parkland. Wolves, bears, and chamois roam the mountains.
Plan a trip here →A Renaissance borgo restored as an albergo diffuso — hotel rooms scattered across the village in restored stone houses. Medici tower. Saffron cultivation (the most expensive spice in the world, grown here since the 14th century). Pop: 110.
Heart-shaped lake (Lago di Scanno). Traditional goldwork (filigree earrings). Wolf Museum. Women once wore an elaborate costume with a massive head covering — some still do for festivals. Pop: 1,800.
The "little Florence of Abruzzo": Renaissance architecture at 1,400m elevation. Tombolo lace tradition. Skiable in winter, hiking in summer. Pop: 1,100.
4. Civitella del Tronto — one of the largest fortresses in Europe (€7), last Bourbon stronghold. 5. Castelli — ceramic tradition since the 16th century, church ceiling covered in hand-painted tiles. 6. Pacentro — Madonna della Corsa (barefoot race in September), Caldora castle. 7. Rocca Calascio — 10th-century fortress at 1,460m, filming location for Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose.
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