Abruzzo
Abruzzo is located in central Italy and stretches from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, on a mostly mountainous and wild terrain. In the mountains, tourist resorts and well-equipped facilities for skiing and winter sports rise among unpolluted peaks and rocky walls: among them are Pescasseroli, Rivisondoli and Roccaraso. The natural landscape of the high and steep peaks of the Gran Sasso, Laga Mountains, and Mount Majella slopes down to a wide range of hills, until it finally reaches the Adriatic coast. The route that spans from the Gran Sasso down to the sea crosses territories that are rich in history, traditions and art that never cease to surprise visitors. Narrow valleys and impressive, natural paths thrust their way into the mountains and hills, as does the amazing and fascinating Aterno Valley, crawling with ancient villages. Natural reserves, like the National Park of Abruzzo, the Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains, or that of Mount Majella, protect the typical vegetable and animal species of the area, including the golden eagle, the wolf and the Marsican brown bear. The Adriatic coast is characterized by long and sandy beaches to the north and pebbly beaches to the south. Also, the small villages of the hinterland, as well as the monasteries and castles of the region, are very charming and part of many touristic routes in this the “greenest region” in Italy. The provinces of the region are: L’Aquila (regional capital), Pescara, Teramo and Chieti.
PROVINCE OF CHIETI
The Province of Chieti is also called the Teatine Province, from the ancient name for the city (Teate); it borders on the Province of Pescara (at its northwest), L’Aquila and Molise (to its west and south, respectively), and the Adriatic Sea (to the northeast).The territory is predominantly hilly and mountainous, with many parallel valleys that run along rivers and creeks. The northern part of the territory presents a rough and desolate landscape, while the southern part is tamer and dotted with numerous tiny villages. The major valleys are in the areas of Pescara and Sangro.The Province also includes a large part of the Majella Massif (9,163 ft), the second-highest mountain in the Apennine Mountains.The major rivers are the Alento, the Aterno-Pescara, the Aventino, the Sangro, the Sinello and the Trigno.Most of the terrain is covered with woods, including in the reserves that safeguard the area’s natural patrimony.The southern part of the province is mostly covered with fir trees, while near the coast holly woods run into the Natural Reserve “Lecceta di Torino di Sangro.” The flora of the Maiella zone is also rich in valuable tree coverage, such as Lobel Maples, birches, the black pines of Fara di San Martino and beechwoods.
PROVINCE OF PESCARA
The Province of Pescara was created with the foundation of its namesake city in 1927, after the union of two historic rivals: the villages separated one from the other by the Atero River, Pescara and Castellamare Adriatico. The territory extends from the Adriatic coastline as far as the heights of the Central Apennine massifs. It borders on the Province of Teramo (north), the Adriatic Sea (northeast), Chieti (east) and L’Aquila (south and west). The development of the city eventually put an end to its ancient parochialism. This territory is also representative of all the major regional characteristics. In fact, it is possible to distinguish between two contrasting areas: the coastal and hilly external area of the Province, with its clay rises gently sloping into the sea, alluvial plains and sandy shores; and the inner mountainous zone, with its carbonate Apennine peaks. The inland part of the territory is characterized by the presence of several rivers, surrounded by lovely flora and home to precious fauna: the Pescara River, the Orta, the Tirino and the Tavo. Two important lakes, Lakes Penne and Alanno, hosta protected oasis. From the mountains to the coastline, the entirety of Pescara Province offers artistic treasures as well as venues for wellness and relaxation in close contact with nature.
