Hidden deep in Abruzzo’s Peligna Valley, medieval Sulmona (sool-MO-nah; pop. 26,000) is encircled by the hulking Apennines. The charming inhabitants of this small town churn out confetti (Sulmona’s signature candy) and profess pride in their famous native son, the poet Ovid (43 BC-AD 17). The letters “SMPE,” adorned on Sulmona’s streets and inscribed on its buildings, are shorthand for the poet’s famous proclamation, “Sulmo mihi patria est” (“Sulmona is my homeland”). A stroll around the public gardens, a hike in the surrounding mountains, or an amble through nearby hamlets are excellent afternoon diversions when the town shuts down for siesta.
Trains: Station (☎ 0864 34 293), 2km outside the city, 30min. by foot from the centro. Serves Rome-Pescara and Carpione-L’Aquila-Terni lines. To: Avezzano (1hr., 3 per day 6:30am-2:03pm, &euro ...more
Viale Stazione runs from the train station to Sulmona proper (2km). In town, it becomes Viale Roosevelt and continues past the public gardens where it becomes Corso Ovidio, the main thoroughfare. C. Ovidio ...more
Make reservations for July and August stays, since this region is popular with mountain bikers and hikers. The tourist office provides a list of B&Bs. Hotel Italia, P. Salvatore Tommasi 3 (☎ ...more
Before the confetti after party, you’ll need something substantive; don’t worry, Sulmona doesn’t disappoint in this area either. A morning market takes place in P. Garibaldi (W and Sa) ...more
Cattedrale Di San Panfilo. The center of this Romanesque-Gothic church was built 1000 years ago on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo and Vesta. Its crypt contains 14th-century frescoes ...more
The city itself dons medieval garb during the last week of July for the Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona, when beacon-bearing knights ride figure-eights around P. Garibaldi. Each knight’s crest represents ...more
The mountains of Majella National Park (also spelled “Maiella”) tower over Sulmona. The park’s headquarters (☎ 0871 40 851) are in Guardiagrele. From the centro, several trails are ...more
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