Abruzzo, like so many other areas of Italy, is steeped in history from as far back as pre-roman times, as well as having a rich legacy of art and architecture. There are breathtaking works of art tucked away in the mediaeval churches and monasteries, not to mention the many museums scattered acrosss the region. Culturally, the annual festivals and fairs  which take place in towns and villages across Abruzzo each year, offer a taste of all the flavours of the traditional agricultural produce from cheese to salami and from honey to wine!

Ancient Abruzzo 

• The "Guerriero di Capestrano" - Capestrano Warrior (photo on the right above) - dates back to 600 B.C. when a number of separate tribes lived in the Abruzzo Region - the Piceni, near present-day Pineto, the Vestini from Pescara to the Gran Sasso, the Peligni near Sulmona and the Marrucini around what is now Chieti, among others. The statue itself can be seen in the National Architectural Museaum in Chieti.

• The impressive remains of the ancient Roman walled citadel ALBA FUCENS, founded in 300 B.C., at the foot of Mount Selino, is just one example of the countless ancient towns and villages in Italy that are often so well-preserved.

• Amiternum, the Sabine city, 9km from where L'Aquila now stands was conquered by Rome in 293 BC. Live concerts are still held in the open-air Roman amphitheatre, during the Summer months.

• The ruins of Juvanum are set on a hill between the Aventino and Sangro Valleys. Originally built by the Frentan, the town was expanded by the Romans and inhabited until mediaeval times. The Basilica, two temples and small theatre offer haunting reminders of its former glory.

Medieval and more recent Abruzzo

• The 12th century Cathedral of S.Maria Assunta at Atri is one of the most important Abruzzese monuments and is full of 15th century frescoes. There are carved lions on the outside of the building and the crypt,  which was converted from an old Roman water cistern originally built for the town of Hatria.

• Celano castle is an example of a Renaissance "castle", which looks more like a gracious country manor than a fortress. There has been a castle on this site since before Roman times, but the beautifully-preserved complex which now stands was built as a residence for local nobility. The picturesque turrets were probably added by Antonio Piccolomini, who received the surrounding county from Alfonso of Aragon in the 15th century.

• The church, shown in the centeral photo above, houses the world-famous "Volto Santo" or "Sacred Face", which is a wrapping-cloth purported to show the face of Jesus, although there has been much debate and various theories have been suggested. Whatever the case, the eyes certainly seem to follow you as you walk around the church, which is situated in Manoppello in the hills near Pescara.

• Most of Abruzzo's treasures are exhibited in its over 70 museums. They offer an incredibly wide range of collections, with subject matters varying from such things as sugared almonds, fish and wool to the more usual Renaissance maps, Byzantine ceramics and religious artefacts. A selection of museums are listed below:

Museums

Museo Archeologico Nazionale
This museum houses the famous statue "Guerriero di Capestrano" among its fascinating collection.

Museo capitolare - Atri

There are 10 rooms, mirroring the design of Atri cathedral, each with exhibits dating from the 17th to the 20^th centuries.

Museo Staurós d'Arte Sacra Contemporanea - Sanctuary of San Gabriele

houses paintings and sculptures from famous contemporary religious artists.

Museo della Civiltà Contadina - Ateleta

Pre-war agricultural museum.

Museo d'Arte Sacra della Marsica - Celano
A display of religious works of art in four sections: paintings, sculptures, gold and religious icons.

Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo - L'Aquila
The Abruzzo National Museum filled with treasures from the whole region.