Madrelingua Italiana

Abruzzo is a region of Italy in the Southern part of the country. L'Aquila, the capital of the region, is also one of the four provinces, along with Chieti Pescara e Teramo. Abruzzo is known as "the greenest region in Europe" as one third of its territory, the largest in Europe, is set aside as national parks and protected nature reserves: there are three national parks, one regional park, and 38 protected nature reserves. The region vaunts some of the most interesting Apennine environments, for which it has, admirably, provided for protection. In 1923 the region established the "National Park of Abruzzo", in 1991 established the "National Park of Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga" and the "Parco Regionale della Maiella" to which must be added the "Natural Park of the Sirente-Velino". The Apennine environments of Abruzzo are grandiose. It all begins with the group of mountains of the Laga. Then Continuing south, there is the imposing mass of the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest and most extensive of the Apennines, which reaches a height of 2,912 m / 9,554 ft, at the top of the Corno Grande; almost as impressive is the southernmost massif of the external alignment, the Maiella (mount Amaro, 2,795 m / 9,170 ft). The coastline, about 170 km long, has sandy beaches almost everywhere, with an average width varying from 50 to 100 m, interrupted by the mouths of the watercourses. Some of the most renowned sea locations are Silvi Marina, Roseto degli Abruzzi e Giulianova. The most important museum is Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo in Chieti, in which is kept the famed warrior statue Warrior of Capestrano found in a necropolis from 6th century B.C. Of cultural importance are the Cathedral of Teramo, its archeological museum and the Roman theater, the Castello della Monica, the astronomical Observatory, the famous L'Aquila Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio – with the remains of Pope Celestine V, the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Santa Maria del Suffragio, the Forte Spagnolo, the 99 Spouts fountain, Gabriele D'Annunzio's house in Pescara, Campli's Scala Sancta and its church, the church of Santissima Annunziata in Sulmona, the cathedrals of Chieti, Lanciano, Guardiagrele, Atri and Pescara along with the castles of Ortona, Celano and Ortucchio. Abruzzo’s hiking, nature, and seaside tourism has become one of the most prosperous sectors in the economy of Abruzzo; in recent years has seen a remarkable growth attracting numerous tourists from all around Italy and Europe. The most profitable olive and vine cultivations have successfully developed in the flat and hilly outlines, with the production of quality wines as well.