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Ponte Capograssi, 67039 Sulmona, Italy (September 2019)
Sulmona
Sulmona is a historic town in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, set in a broad valley surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Apennine Mountains. Known for its ancient roots, architectural richness, and enduring traditions, Sulmona offers a perspective on Italy that feels both authentic and quietly powerful. Far from the country’s busiest tourist routes, it is a place where history, landscape, and community remain closely intertwined.
The town’s origins stretch back to antiquity, long before Roman dominance, and Sulmona later flourished as an important Roman settlement along key trade routes. This layered past is still visible in the town’s streets and monuments. At its centre lies Piazza Garibaldi, one of Italy’s largest historic squares, where markets and public life have unfolded for centuries. Nearby, the medieval aqueduct of the 13th century runs in elegant arches along Corso Ovidio, a striking reminder of the town’s engineering and civic pride.
Sulmona is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, whose literary legacy continues to shape the town’s cultural identity. References to his work appear throughout the historic centre, and his presence is celebrated through statues, inscriptions, and festivals. This literary heritage adds a reflective dimension to Sulmona, connecting its physical beauty with a long tradition of intellectual life.
Walking through Sulmona reveals a town shaped by both medieval and Renaissance influences. Stone palaces, ornate church façades, and quiet courtyards create a sense of elegance without excess. The Cathedral of San Panfilo, with its Romanesque origins and later embellishments, stands as a symbol of continuity, while smaller churches and noble residences speak to periods of prosperity and change. Despite its historical depth, Sulmona feels lived-in rather than preserved, with everyday life unfolding naturally among centuries-old buildings.
One of Sulmona’s most distinctive traditions is the production of confetti, sugar-coated almonds artfully arranged into colourful bouquets and designs. More than a confection, confetti are symbols of celebration, used for weddings, births, and festivals across Italy. In Sulmona, they are crafted by hand in family-run shops that line the main streets, turning a simple ingredient into an expression of local creativity and identity.
The surrounding landscape plays a vital role in shaping life in Sulmona. The town is framed by national parks and high plateaus, offering access to hiking, wildlife, and sweeping views that change with the seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers bring clear skies and fresh mountain air, reinforcing a close relationship between residents and their environment.
Sulmona’s cuisine reflects the heartiness of Abruzzo, drawing on mountain traditions and local agriculture. Dishes often feature lamb, legumes, handmade pasta, and robust flavours, paired with regional wines. Meals are rooted in family and tradition, emphasizing warmth and simplicity over formality. Sulmona is a town of substance rather than spectacle. Its appeal lies in the balance between cultural depth and everyday authenticity, between a rich past and a steady present. For visitors, Sulmona offers an invitation to discover an Italy that is thoughtful, resilient, and deeply connected to its land.
Worth a Visit
Casa Santa della SS. Annunziata, located on Corso Ovidio in Sulmona, Italy, is one of the city’s most important historical and architectural landmarks. Built between the 14th and 18th centuries, it reflects a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, showcasing the artistic and cultural vitality of Sulmona during the medieval and early modern periods. Originally founded as a charitable institution to provide assistance to the poor, orphans, and pilgrims, the Casa Santa embodied both civic pride and religious devotion. Its elegant façade, adorned with delicate stonework and arched windows, stands as a striking feature along Sulmona’s main street. Inside, visitors can appreciate refined architectural details and a sense of the building’s long history of service to the community. Today, Casa Santa della SS. Annunziata is not only a monument to Sulmona’s past but also a vibrant symbol of its enduring cultural and social heritage.
The Giardini della Villa Comunale, located along Viale Roosevelt in Sulmona, Italy, is a peaceful green oasis at the heart of the city. Designed in the 19th century, the gardens provide a welcoming space for relaxation, walks, and social gatherings, surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the Abruzzo mountains. Shaded avenues, elegant fountains, and carefully arranged flowerbeds create a harmonious balance between nature and urban life. The Villa Comunale has long been a favourite meeting point for locals and visitors alike, offering a quiet retreat just steps away from Sulmona’s historic centre. Within its grounds, cultural events, concerts, and public celebrations often take place, making it both a recreational and social hub. The gardens also lead toward the city’s majestic aqueduct arches, connecting history and natural beauty in one setting. With its serene atmosphere, the Giardini della Villa Comunale captures the charm and hospitality of Sulmona.
Corso Ovidio is the main street and beating heart of Sulmona, Italy, stretching through the historic centre and connecting many of the city’s most significant landmarks. Named after the famous Latin poet Ovid, who was born in Sulmona, the street reflects both the cultural heritage and vibrant daily life of the town. Lined with elegant palaces, churches, and traditional shops, Corso Ovidio offers visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, and local charm. It is also the location of the renowned Piazza Garibaldi, where festivals, markets, and the traditional Easter celebrations bring the city to life. Walking along Corso Ovidio, one can admire medieval and Renaissance façades, browse artisan boutiques, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of cafés and restaurants. As both a social hub and a cultural showcase, Corso Ovidio captures the essence of Sulmona, making it a must-see for those exploring the beauty of Abruzzo.
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is the largest and most iconic square in Sulmona, Italy, and a vibrant gathering place that reflects the city’s history and traditions. Surrounded by arcades, historic palaces, and charming cafés, the square opens dramatically toward the backdrop of the Morrone mountains, offering one of the most scenic views in Abruzzo. At its centre stands a graceful fountain, adding to the lively yet elegant atmosphere. Piazza Garibaldi is not only the heart of everyday social life but also the stage for Sulmona’s most important events, including the famous Easter celebration of *La Madonna che Scappa in Piazza*, a centuries-old tradition that draws large crowds each year. Weekly markets, concerts, and festivals also fill the square, making it a hub of cultural and communal activity. Whether for a quiet stroll, a coffee, or a grand celebration, Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is the true soul of Sulmona.
San Filippo Neri, located on Via Margherita in Sulmona, Italy, is a beautiful example of Baroque religious architecture and a testament to the city’s rich spiritual heritage. Built in the 17th century and dedicated to Saint Philip Neri, the church was conceived as a place of devotion and community for the Oratorian Fathers. Its elegant façade, with harmonious proportions and decorative details, reflects the artistic tastes of the Baroque period, while the interior offers an atmosphere of solemnity and grace. Inside, visitors can admire fine stuccoes, altars, and paintings that highlight the craftsmanship of local artists and the deep faith of the community. Though less well-known than Sulmona’s larger churches, San Filippo Neri holds an intimate charm and historic significance, embodying the values of prayer, charity, and cultural expression. Today it stands as both a place of worship and a quiet treasure within Sulmona’s historic centre.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via Papa Giovanni XXIII to Viale Roosevelt
Approximately 1.12 km – 0.70 miles
The walk starts in Via Papa Giovanni XXIII – Via Suor Pier Bafile – Via Papa Giovanni XXIII – Piazza Giuseppe Capograssi – Ponte Capograssi – Via Giovanni Pansa – Via Giuseppe Andrea Angeloni – Antonio de Nino -Corso Ovidio – Casa Santa della SS. Annunziata, Corso Ovidio – Piazza Santissima Annunziata -orso Ovidio – Via Ercole Ciofano – Corso Ovidio – Monumento ai caduti, Piazza Carlo Tresca – Giardini Villa comunale, Viale Roosevelt – Viale Roosevelt
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – VCorso Ovidio to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Corso Ovidio
Approximately 0.70 km – 0.44 miles
The walk starts in Corso Ovidio – Piazza XX Settembre – Statua di Ovidio, Piazza XX Settembre – Corso Ovidio – Via Ercole Ciofano – Corso Ovidio – Statua di Ovidio, Piazza XX Settembre – Corso Ovidio – Chiesa della Madonne del Carmine, Corso Ovidio – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – ia Federico II – San Filippo Neri, Via Margherita – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Fontanone di Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Corso Ovidio
Photo Gallery of Walk 3 – VCorso Ovidio to Corso Ovidio – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi
Approximately 0.90 km – 0.56 miles
The walk starts in Corso Ovidio – Via delle Concerie – Corso Ovidio – Piazza Plebiscito – S. Maria della Tomba, Piazza Plebiscito – Piazza Plebiscito – Corso Ovidio – Porta Napoli -Corso Ovidio
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