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Abruzzo

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Abruzzo is a diverse region located in Southern Italy.

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

It covers a total area of 12,232 square kilometers. The region has a population of nearly 1.3 million people. Geographically, it sits between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Lazio region to the west. It also shares borders with the Marche region to the north and Molise to the south. While it is culturally part of Southern Italy, many people consider it part of Central Italy. This distinction is often linked to the writings of the author Ignazio Silone.

The geography of Abruzzo is defined by two distinct landscapes. The western portion is a rugged, mountainous area. This section contains the highest massifs of the Apennines, which is the mountain range running through Italy. Notable peaks include the Gran Sasso d'Italia

Corno grande da campo imperatore
Corno grande da campo imperatore

and the Maiella. In contrast, the eastern portion consists of a coastal area. This area features various beaches along the Adriatic Sea.

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

One of the most unique features is the Calderone, which is one of Europe's southernmost glaciers.

Abruzzo is famous for its incredible biodiversity and environmental protection. It is often called "the greenest region in Europe." This title comes from the fact that half of its territory is protected. The region manages three national parks, one regional park, and 38 protected nature reserves.

Gran Sasso National Park Landscape
Gran Sasso National Park Landscape

These protected areas are vital for the survival of rare species. Visitors might see the golden eagle, the Abruzzese chamois, or the Apennine wolf. The region also provides a home for the Marsican brown bear.

Orso bruno marsicano
Orso bruno marsicano

In fact, these parks host 75% of Europe's animal species.

The administrative structure of Abruzzo is divided into four provinces. These are L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, Chieti, and the province of L'Aquila. L'Aquila serves as the capital of both the region and its namesake province. It is the second largest city in the area. Pescara is the largest city and functions as a major port.

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

Other important centers include the industrial and high-tech hub of Avezzano. Towns like Vasto, Lanciano, and Sulmona are also significant for industry and tourism.

The history of the region stretches back hundreds of thousands of years. Archaeological findings suggest archaic humans were present around 700,000 years ago. These early inhabitants belonged to the Acheulean Culture. Evidence of Neanderthals has been found in caves located in Calascio. During the Neolithic period, farmers from the Middle East introduced agriculture to the area.

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

Later, during the Iron Age, various tribes inhabited the land. The most famous example of ancient art from this time is the Warrior of Capestrano.

Ancient tribes like the Pentri and the Paeligni were known as strong warriors. They fought against the Romans during the Samnite Wars between 343 and 290 BC. After the Social War, many tribes obtained Roman citizenship. During the Imperial period, the region focused on trade and pastoralism, which is the raising of livestock. In the Middle Ages, the region saw many changes in leadership. It was controlled by the Lombards and later by the Franks. Eventually, it became part of the Kingdom of Sicily under Norman rule.

In the 1270s, King Charles I of Anjou divided the territory into two parts. He created Abruzzo Citeriore, meaning "nearer Abruzzo," and Abruzzo Ulteriore, meaning "further Abruzzo." This division is why the region was historically known by the plural name, Abruzzi. Over time, the city of L'Aquila grew to play a central role in the region. Today, the spirit of the area is captured by its motto, "forte e gentile." This means "strong and kind," a phrase chosen by a 19th-century diplomat to describe the local people.

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