Spotlight on Casoli, Palombaro, Civitella MR, Fara San Martino & Pennapiedimonte.

Palombaro

This spectacular medieval town enjoys a very unique panoramic position enjoying views across the Maiella mountain range, down the Avello Torrent valley and the coast. Palombaro like the other villages in this section is well populated with young and old thanks to the work available in the Chieti region and the up and coming tourist trade.

The village enjoys all amenities including 4 restaurants, hotel, 3 bars, local shops and many B&B’s open now and opening soon. Documents of the village date back to the 12th century and the Chiesa dell’Assunta built in 1561 is one of the most important buildings boasting an imposing neo-gothic bell tower. Outside of the village on one side is the magnificent Maiella national park with its many walks and attractions including the famous Grotta di San Angelo with the remains of a medieval church dating back to the end of the 11th century inside. The village is located perfectly to enjoy ski, the sea and all in between.

Pennapiedimonte

Situated at the foot of Majella, on a sheer drop to the Valley of Avella Torrent called "Selva Romana" the rich and undamaged nature offers an incredible landscape, steep rocks, very particular canyons, high dunes and winding paths leading to hidden caves. Several paths flank the mountains and the trails are well marked and facilitated for trekking-lovers and with rocky faces suitable for the free-climbing lovers the area is ideal for outdoor activities. The village is very characteristic of the area with winding narrow streets, carved stone sculptures and enjoys amenites such as bars, restaurant, local shops and B&B’s.

Easy access to other local towns and attractions such as the “Bocca Di Valle”, Guardiagrele and Passo Lanciano ski resort make this a popular area for tourists.

In August the village enjoys 26 nights of festa for the feast of the Cinghiale (wild boar).

Civitella Messer Raimondo

The village is placed in front of “Santo spirito” gorge and seems to be different in every season, thanks to its enchanting and colourful scenery.

The landscape is enriched by the view of Sant'Angelo’s Lake into which merges the Aventino river. The lake and the water courses in the right season allow fishing, canoeing and many other activities. In spring an expanse of Aventino can be crossed with a canoe until the lake.

The village preserves its old centre, featured by a network of small, narrow and winding streets, the medieval castle of Baglioni and the church of Santissimo Salvatore.

The village enjoys amenities such as bars, local shops and B&B’s,restaurants are also close by and the village is situated in a good location to explore the rest of the region and its delights. Like the other villages in this section it is well populated and very well preserved.

Casoli

Perched high on a hill dominated by a medieval castle and the beautiful church of Santa Reparata lies the stunning town of Casoli which forms the gateway to our featured 5 towns. The town enjoys stunning views across the Maiella mountain range and towards the coast, a few kilometers out of the town is the beautiful lake of Sant Angelo also known as “Lago di Casoli” with its picnic areas, fishing and fabulous restaurant. In the surrounding area you can still see the ruins of the ancient city of “Romulea” and its territory is part of the nature reserve of Lake Serranella.

The town enjoys a number of shops, bars and restaurants and holds a large market every Friday. The famous castle is a landmark seen across the region and is a real beacon of light throughout the night time.

The town is situated like others in this section perfectly to allow easy access to ski, the sea and all the attractions of Abruzzo.

Fara San Martino

The enchanting scenario overlooking the wild valley and the closeness to the Verde river, make this a wonderful location for visitors.

This zone, named “Porta della Majella" (Majella Door), hosts very peculiar and amazing spots especially the canyon of St. Spirito, San Martino gorge with its ancient monastery St. Martino in Valle and a very unique mountain path to Monte Amaro, archeological remains of the Roman period show that the territory was already inhabited 2000 years ago.

The town itself is well habited with the help of 2 internationally known pasta factories De Cecco and Delverde offering work in the local area. There is a selection of restaurans, bars, hotels and B&B’s along with easy access to ski resorts and the coast. For outdoor activists there are hiking tracks, established rock climbing areas and cycle paths.

The

“Maiella Gateway”

Set in some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Abruzzo lies our newly named “Maiella Gateway”, the area comprises of 5 towns all in beautiful locations enjoying the real taste of Abruzzese living and yet very close to all the sites and attractions of this amazing region.

As you drive to the area from the coast using the SS652 (Val Di Sangro superstrade) the first town that sets off the stunning feeling of the zone is the medieval town of Casoli, perched high on a hill with the famous castle at its helm, the town enjoys the backdrop of the magnificent Maiella mountain range which becomes more prominenet as you move through the zone. Just passed Casoli the scenery opens up into what we see as the real heart of Abruzzo, rolling hills, vinyards, olive groves all with the back drop of the ever changing mountains, it Is possible to see all the towns we speak about from many view points and just the sight of the whole are makes you realise you area somewhere very special.