ABRUZZO REGION ITALY

The Abruzzo region, in central Italy, consists of four provinces: Pescara, Aquila, Teramo and Chieti.

The Abruzzo region has about 1.3 million inhabitants and an area of ​​11 thousand km2. That is about a third of the Netherlands. The west of Abruzzo is 80 km from Rome. Abruzzo borders the Marche region to the north, Lazio to the west, Molise to the south and the Adriatic Sea to the east.

Abruzzo has the title of “Greenest Region in Europe”, or “The Green Heart of Europe”, because more than one third of its surface is protected as a national park or nature reserve. There are 4 large nature parks: Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, Parco Nazionale della Majella and the Regional Parc Sirente Velino. More than 75% of all flora and fauna in Europe can be found or preserved here. Abruzzo thus plays an important role in the survival and maintenance of biodiversity in Europe. The parks of Abruzzo include the brown bear, but also the Apennine wolf, chamois, wild boars, porcupines, eagles and vultures.

Abruzzo has the title of “Greenest Region in Europe”, or “The Green Heart of Europe”, because more than one third of its surface is protected as a national park or nature reserve. There are 4 large nature parks: Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, Parco Nazionale della Majella and the Regional Parc Sirente Velino. More than 75% of all flora and fauna in Europe can be found or preserved here. Abruzzo thus plays an important role in the survival and maintenance of biodiversity in Europe. The parks of Abruzzo include the brown bear, but also the Apennine wolf, chamois, wild boars, porcupines, eagles and vultures.

Italian diplomat and journalist Primo Levi described Abruzzo as “forte e gentile” (strong and friendly). This statement has become the motto of the residents and is also very recognizable in the social interaction.

Real Italian food

Abruzzo has one of the best cuisines you can find in Italy. Known for its variety and richness in both the agricultural and coastal aspects of its cuisine. Due to its isolated location between the high mountains and the sea, the Abruzzo cuisine has also remained pure and authentic. One of the region’s most famous dishes is pasta alla chitarra. The fresh pasta is pressed by a stringed instrument, creating a kind of thicker spagheti … The many fish dishes and of course the arrosticini are not to be missed in Abruzzo. The soups are traditionally flavored with tomatoes, garlic and peperoncino. The best known of the region is of course the organic extra virgin olive oil, which is produced in the hills, with the DOP quality mark, this olive oil is considered one of the best in Italy. (The Leccino olive plays a major role here, and gives a thick greenish wonderfully soft olive oil…). New wines such as Montepulciano DOCG and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC have earned their place among world-renowned fine wines!

Authentic Abruzzo

Because of the same isolated location, between the high mountains and the sea, much of Abruzzo remained independent until the 20th century from the influence of international trade and development, our so-called “progress”. Thanks to the construction of good motorways, airports in Pescara and Ancona, and of course the Internet, all the modern technology and commerce is now available in Abruzzo. Yet it remains a region that is still wonderfully pure and authentic and unhurried, a relief to experience if you are used to the busy individual and sometimes almost aggressive life…. The quality of life, social contacts and healthy fresh food are (still) of paramount importance here. The people are sincere and motivated, they work very hard and are always ready to help. Unfortunately, the region also suffers from especially youth unemployment. Tourism is currently picking up as many people discover the beauty and authenticity of this region. Pescara is the economic center of the region and there you can actually find everything in terms of businesses, trade and shops.

Culture

Abruzzo also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. An abundance and wealth of “old buildings”, beautiful churches and monasteries, and Roman excavations.