Show and Tell: Sulmona, Abruzzo

This week on Italy “Show and Tell”, I am excited to have Welcome to Sulmona share 6 favorite photos from this gem situated in the region of Abruzzo.

Earlier this year while doing research for a day trip to Sulmona from Rome, I came across the website Welcome to Sulmona, the only English language insiders’ guide to Sulmona and the Valle Peligna in Abruzzo, Italy. It covers everything you need to know about the town, from its history to getting there to events taking place in the town.

While I could have been aimlessly wandering around in Sulmona, the site helped me make the most of the several hours I spent there as I made notes of a few must-sees. If you are planning a visit to Sulmona, www.welcometosulmona.com is an invaluable resource.

6 Favorite Photos from Sulmona, Abruzzo

For most Italians Sulmona will always mean one only thing – the centre of production of the traditional almond confectionery called confetti .

For classicists Sulmona is the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid.

For everyone else Sulmona simply doesn’t register. It is overlooked by more guide books, vacation companies and touring visitors then we even know how to count. That’s probably why it has been able to preserve its unique charm and ‘real Italy’ appeal.

Even if you haven’t yet ‘done’ the big Italian cities and highlights, Sulmona and indeed Abruzzo in general will leave you with a big smile on your face and a smug feeling for having discovered one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Here is our top 6:

1. The complex of the Santissima Annunziata.

Simply stunning isn’t it? On the left is a 14th century church with a later Baroque facade, adjacent to a 15th century palazzo which is now a museum, an auditorium and a tourist office. The Annunziata is breathtaking in its grandeur and acts as an important hub in the daily life of local citizens. Rest awhile on the steps and just watch the world go by.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

2. Piazza Garibaldi

The largest town square in Abruzzo and home to the popular bi-weekly market, numerous bars and shops and the stage for the wonderful Giostra Cavalleresca of Sulmona held every summer. One of our top tips is always to look up in Sulmona. It sits at 400m and is surrounded by mountains which change colour almost by the hour.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

3. The 13th century aqueduct

Over 100 metres long and incorporating 21 arches, it’s the longest intact stretch of aqueduct from the period. Framing the southern end of Piazza Garibaldi it is one of the enduring symbols of Sulmona and the inspiration for our own logo.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

4. Piazza XX Settembre

Commemorating the Unification of Italy in 1870, Piazza Venti (as it’s known) is home to the iconic statue of Ovid. Surrounded my majestic Renaissance and Baroque palaces it is overlooked by the bell tower of the Annunziata a few streets away. It’s also one of the favourite places for locals to gather in groups and chat about sport and politics.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

5. The quirky back streets

Sulmona is a pedestrians’ city and one of its joys is simply to wander off the main Corso Ovidio and explore all of the little narrow streets and alleys. This street is called Via Quattrario and it’s the oldest street in Sulmona. This shot is especially typical with the geraniums adorning the balconies and the little Ape truck parked at the side.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

6. The Villa Comunale

Yeah we thought that ‘villa’ meant house too. Here it means the town park or open green space. Built after the city spread outside of the city’s original Medieval walls it is flanked by large houses from the early 20th century Liberty period and runs down to the Cathedral of San Panfilo.

It provides a tree-lined and tranquil public space where people can sit, walk their dogs, take the air and also cool off under the canopies of the trees when it gets too hot in the middle of the day.

Photo credit: Welcome to Sulmona

Thank you Welcome to Sulmona for sharing these gems with us. If you have questions or need personal recommendations for Sulmona, connect with them on Twitter and Facebook.