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Abruzzo

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Abruzzo is a beautiful region in Southern Italy.

Map of region of Abruzzo, Italy, with provinces-it
Map of region of Abruzzo, Italy, with provinces-it

It sits near the Adriatic Sea to the east. To its west, it shares a border with the Lazio region. The area is divided into four provinces: L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. L'Aquila is the capital city of the whole region. Pescara is the largest city and serves as a major port.

Marina di Pescara, December 2014
Marina di Pescara, December 2014

Many other towns like Vasto and Sulmona are also important centers.

The land of Abruzzo has two very different sides. In the west, you will find huge, high mountains. These are the highest parts of the Apennines mountain range.

Corno grande da campo imperatore
Corno grande da campo imperatore

Famous peaks include the Gran Sasso d'Italia and the Maiella. In the east, the land turns into a coastal area. Here, you can find many beaches along the Adriatic Sea.

La Costa Dei Trabocchi - panoramio
La Costa Dei Trabocchi - panoramio

This mix of high peaks and sea makes the scenery very special.

Abruzzo is often called the greenest region in Europe. This is because half of the land is protected. There are three national parks and one regional park.

Gran Sasso National Park Landscape
Gran Sasso National Park Landscape

There are also 38 protected nature reserves. These places help rare animals live safely. You might find a Marsican brown bear or a golden eagle there.

Orso bruno marsicano
Orso bruno marsicano

The region even has the Calderone, one of the southernmost glaciers in Europe.

People have lived in Abruzzo for a very long time. Findings show humans were there as far back as 700,000 years ago.

Guerriero di capestrano, da capestrano, 600-550 ac ca. 02
Guerriero di capestrano, da capestrano, 600-550 ac ca. 02

Ancient tribes lived here and were known as strong warriors. They fought against the Roman Empire in the Samnite Wars. Later, the region was part of the Kingdom of Sicily.

Castello Caldoresco di Vasto - anteriore
Castello Caldoresco di Vasto - anteriore

In the 1270s, King Charles I of Anjou divided the land into two parts. This is why the region was once called the Abruzzi.

Today, Abruzzo has a very special motto. A writer long ago chose the words "strong and kind" to describe the people.

Abruzzo, travel poster for ENIT (LOC cph.3g12505)
Abruzzo, travel poster for ENIT (LOC cph.3g12505)

This motto captures the spirit of the region perfectly. You can see this history in many old cities. Some cities like Chieti and Teramo have been around since ancient times.

Chieti001
Chieti001

Whether you visit the mountains or the coast, the history is everywhere.

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🖼️ Images & Media (30)
File:Guerriero di capestrano, da capestrano, 600-550 ac ca. 02.jpg
Guerriero di capestrano, da capestrano,...
File:Castello Caldoresco di Vasto - anteriore.JPG
Castello Caldoresco di Vasto - anteriore.JPG
File:Piazzaforte pescara.jpg
Piazzaforte pescara.jpg
File:Lungomare giulianova.jpg
Lungomare giulianova.jpg
File:Corno grande da campo imperatore.jpg
Corno grande da campo imperatore.jpg
File:Orso bruno marsicano.jpg
Orso bruno marsicano.jpg
File:Map of region of Abruzzo, Italy, with provinces-it.svg
Map of region of Abruzzo, Italy, with...
File:Chieti001.jpg
Chieti001.jpg
File:Montepulciano d Abruzzo 03 (RaBoe).jpg
Montepulciano d Abruzzo 03 (RaBoe).jpg
File:Pastificio De Cecco, Fara San Martino.jpg
Pastificio De Cecco, Fara San Martino.jpg
File:Centerba.jpg
Centerba.jpg
File:Campotosto_lake.JPG
Campotosto_lake.JPG

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