Roman traces in the centre of Teramo
In Teramo’s historic centre, you can walk through four historic districts and explore churches, monuments and Roman remains. The façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta presents an architectural contrast: its lower section is Romanesque, while the upper section is Gothic. The Roman theatre dates from the Augustan period. Part of the amphitheatre’s surrounding brick wall remains; the Torre Bruciata, meanwhile, is a Roman bastion built in opus quadratum in the 2nd century BC. Sant’Anna dei Pompetti also tells a story of earlier architecture: the church preserves a surviving part of the former Cathedral of Santa Maria Aprutiensis. A 12th-century fresco depicts two angels with a clipeus and the hand of God giving a blessing.
Ceramic art, sanctuaries and archaeology
In Castelli, the Museo delle Ceramiche is dedicated to the culture and art of majolica and local ceramic production. Founded in 1984, it is housed in a Franciscan monastery dating from the mid-16th century. A reconstructed old workshop illustrates the stages of production, from preparing the clay and shaping it to glazing and decorating. A traditional forno a respiro kiln is also on display. The focus is therefore not only on finished ceramics, but also on how they are made.
In Campli, the Scala Santa dates back to 1772. Its 28 wooden steps lead to the Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, whose interior features 18th-century frescoes depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Alongside Rome and Jerusalem, the Scala Santa is one of three holy sites worldwide said to grant a plenary indulgence. The Santuario della Scala Santa is open year-round; check current opening hours before your visit. After work on its garden, ground floor and first floor, Castello Della Monica was opened to the public, or community, for the first time in 2022. If you are planning a visit, check current access arrangements beforehand.
The archaeological site of Madonna della Cona spans a different period of history. It includes an Italic necropolis from the 7th to 6th centuries BC and a Roman cremation necropolis from the Republican era, which remained in use until the first decades of the 2nd century AD. The site is accessible without architectural barriers. Admission is generally free; fees may apply for reservations.
Landscapes and trails in the Province of Teramo
Across the Province of Teramo, the landscape ranges from the Teramo side of Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga to fertile, scenic hills and long sandy beaches on the Adriatic. Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park brings together protected landscapes, nature and significant cultural heritage. Hiking routes cater to different ability levels. These include high-alpine trails to Corno Grande and Monte Gorzano, which are safe to hike only in summer.
The Ippovia del Gran Sasso is a 470-kilometre horse-riding route that follows old mule tracks, carriage roads and trails through villages, pastures, and beech and Turkey oak forests. Another route, the Sentiero del Tordino, connects small settlements with trails leading to Monte Bilanciere. These trails can be explored on foot, in some sections on horseback, and by mountain bike. Monte Bilanciere is regarded as a viewpoint offering panoramic views across the entire valley. Another cycling option, the Distretto Tra i Due Regni, runs through the Province of Teramo and includes Campli, Civitella del Tronto, Torricella Sicura and Valle Castellana. The route starts in San Giacomo and can be cycled.
Prati di Tivo and cycling routes with different profiles
Prati di Tivo is a mountain resort at an altitude of 1,450 metres, at the foot of Corno Piccolo in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, and is part of the municipality of Pietracamela. Its lifts provide access to 20 kilometres of downhill ski slopes and a cross-country skiing trail. In summer, hiking and mountaineering take centre stage; there are also routes for ski touring and off-piste skiing. Operations and facilities may vary by season, so check conditions in advance. The main access road is the SS 80, which connects Teramo and Montorio al Vomano with the turn-off for Pietracamela–Prati di Tivo. Before setting out, also check road conditions and any seasonal restrictions.
The 131-kilometre Bike To Coast Abruzzo cycle route offers a different focus: it runs from Martinsicuro in the Province of Teramo, on the border with the Province of Ascoli Piceno, to San Salvo on the border with Molise. As the route and roadworks may change, it is worth checking the current sections before setting off.
Recommended dishes and sweets in Teramo
Recommended dishes in Teramo include maccheroni alla chitarra with pallottine and scrippelle ‘mbusse, crêpes served in broth. Recommended sweets in Teramo include Sassi d’Abruzzo, made with almonds, sugar and cocoa, and Pepatelli, dry biscuits made with honey, almonds, orange zest and pepper.
Discover more destinations: Mosciano Sant'angelo, Alba Adriatica, Arsita, Castelli, Castilenti, Colonnella, Pineto, Silvi Marina, Tortoreto, Morro D'oro, Roseto Degli Abruzzi, Silvi Paese, Villa Rosa, Cellino Attanasio, Martinsicuro, Giulianova, Civitella Del Tronto, Cologna Spiaggia, Santa Maria, Cesi, Atri, Castiglione Messer Raimondo, Rocca Santa Maria, Mutignano, Canzano, Cermignano, Controguerra, Silvi, Torano Nuovo, Bellante, Teramo, Corropoli, Ancarano, Notaresco, Nereto, Ripattoni, Colledara, Ornano Grande, Campli, Pietracamela, Montorio Al Vomano, Sant'egidio Alla Vibrata, Scerne, Valle Castellana, Case Alte, Colleranesco, Penna Alta, Montone, Sant'omero, Villa Lempa, Fano Adriano, Poggio Morello, Bisenti, Montefino, Miano, Cologna Paese, Floriano, Penna Sant'Andrea, Basciano, Nerito, Isola del Gran Sasso D'italia, Villa Vomano, Tossicia, Castagneto, Ripoli, Cerchiara, Colleluccio, Guardia Vomano, Mazzocco, Intermesoli, Valle San Giovanni, Castelnuovo Vomano
For the broader travel overview: Abruzzo.
