What to see
Ortona
The Aragonese Castle is a fortification on the edge of the city and overlooking the sea. The castle is restored and can be visited, it is also a panoramic viewpoint. The city stands on a hill and from its wonderful "Oriental Walk" you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama. Of ancient origins, it had a notable development under the Frentani, especially due to the presence of the port, the most important in Abruzzo.
On the coast there is a long cycle path (the Via Verde of the Costa dei Trabocchi) which extends to Vasto. It is also possible to rent bicycles to enjoy the splendid Trabocchi coast from another point of view.
Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere - Fossacesia
Located in the municipality of Fossacesia, the monastic complex of San Giovanni in Venere consists of a basilica and the nearby monastery, both built at the beginning of the 13th century in place of the small pre-existing monastery. The position is very panoramic: it is on a hill overlooking the nearby coast for several kilometers to the north and south.
Chieti
One of the oldest cities in Italy, it is a center of considerable artistic and cultural depth. It was the capital of the Italic population of the Marrucini. Later it was a Roman city with the name of Teate, whose signs, such as the Roman Theater (second half of the 2nd century AD), the complex of the Roman Temples (remains of sacred buildings), the cistern of the ancient Baths, are still visible on the city territory. It was destroyed by the barbarian waves of the Visigoths and Heruli. With the Angevins and above all with the Aragonese, it reached its maximum splendor and was placed at the head of all the Abruzzi with the right to mint its own currency.
Among the traditions of the city, the Good Friday procession stands out, the oldest in Italy. Its origin, in fact, dates back to 842 AD.
Vasto
The museums of Palazzo d'Avalos are located in the Palazzo d'Avalos in Vasto. The museums are divided into: Archaeological Museum, Picture Gallery and Costume Museum. It is also possible to visit the spectacular Neapolitan garden, facing the sea.