There are many places of interest to visit within an easy drive of Le Gallele. If you would like to see Abruzzo the easy way, have a look at our Tours page.

Chieti

Chieti is the main city of the province of the same name. It was a Roman town with the name of Teate, and an important medieval centre, so that Roman and medieval ruins are found side by side. The ancient Cathedral of San Giustino dominates the city. The 17th century churches of San Pietro and San Giovanni dei Cappuccini are interesting. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale displays the famous Capestrano Warrior. The ruins of the Roman town of Teate can be seen in various parts of the city. Also worth a visit is the Roman theatre and the Tempietti Roman temple complex.

Sulmona

Sulmona is a beautiful historical town and is known for its medieval aqueduct which divides the city. The city has an abundance of quaint little shops where you can purchase fine leather, jewelry and regional crafts. It has many cafes, restaurants and trattorias that specialize in the delicious regional cuisine of Abruzzo. Sulmona is also known for its confetti, which are sugar coated almonds that are famous around the world.

Capestrano

The majestic Piccolomini Castle, with two cylindrical towers dominates the Market square. Capestrano is the origin of the famous warrior statue, which was found by a farmer while working in his his vineyard. The statue is nowadays kept in the National Archeological Museum in Chieti. The warrior, without its base, is 209 cm tall. The beautiful monastery of St. Francis is on a hill covered by olive trees facing the village.

Rocca Calascio

Rocca Calascio is a ruined mountaintop fortress within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and alongside the high plain of Campo Imperatore. At an elevation of 1460 meters, it is the highest fortress in Italy and was started in the tenth century. Near the fortress, at a slightly lower elevation, is Santa Maria della Pietà, an lovely octagonal church built in the seventeenth century.

Scanno

Scanno is a very traditional old Abruzzo town with a picturesque lake. The town lies between the National Park of Abruzzo and the upper Sagittario valley. Traditional craftswork is still created here, such as filigree work and lacework. Traditional women's costume is still worn today by many of the local elderly women. The historical centre has many small alleys, balconies, flights of stairs which are like a maze. Visitors come here all over the year also thanks to the many ski-ing facilities available in the surrounding mountains.

Navelli

Navelli is a pretty medieval hillside town overlooking the Navelli plain, which is famous for its production of saffron. At the top of the town is a baronial palace, which was built on the site of a medieval fortress. Surrounding it is a maze of little streets, with courtyards and piazzas.

Barrea

The picturesque town of Barrea overlooks wonderful lake of the same name from a hilltop in the upper Valle del Sangro. The village has many old churches, the walls of an ancient castle and the remains of a pre-Roman necropolis. It is a favourite choice for tourists who like mountain and lake resorts.

Penne

The town of Penne was built completely in bricks on the tops of four hills. The medieval centre still stands on two of these between the valleys of the Tavo and Fino rivers, in a landscape of green hills and woods. The ancient town centre is well preserved, and is a maze of narrow, steep alleys, surrounded by 15th century walls. Penne is a thriving centre for arts and crafts and especially well-known for its wrought-iron. The nearby lake, Lago di Penne, is very picturesque and is a nature reserve.

Lanciano

This lovely historic town has many places of interest to the visitor. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte ("St. Mary of the Bridge") is so-called because it is built on bridgework along a precipice. Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of the most important architectural sites in Abruzzo. San Francesco was built in 1258 built over a pre-existing 7th century church. The high altar houses the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle. The 'Torre Montanare' is a relic of the ancient walls (11th century). They consist of two massive towers, the most recent dating to the 15th century, offering a panoramic view of the area. Porta San Biagio dates from the 11th century and is the only gate remaining of the nine that once existed. Lanciano also has many shops, restaurants and cafés, and is about 40 minutes from le Galelle.

Guardiagrele

This is an extremely picturesque little town, just a short drive south of Le Galelle. It is known as an arts and crafts centre, especially wrought iron, ceramics, turned wood, wrought copper, lace-making, Abruzzese blankets and traditional costumes, carved stone, gold and jewelry. Of particular interest is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, erected around the 11th century and included in the list of the most important protected monuments in Europe. The façade presents a splendid 14th-century gothic portal, among the most elegant in the Abruzzi Gothic style. There is also a Capuchin Convent and attached church that date back to 1599. Sunday is a great day to visit, as this is market day.

Rome

Don't forget that the Italian capital city of Rome is less than two hours away by autostrada, so a day trip to see the historic sights and go shopping is an easy option.