Treglio: Frescoes, History and Landscape

Treglio brings together fresco painting, historic architecture, and rural food culture in a setting between cultivated hills and the Costa dei Trabocchi. In the historic center, traditional buildings meet brightly colored frescoes. This offers different starting points for planning a trip: the artistic tradition, buildings from different periods, and local dishes and products.

Fresco Painting in the Townscape

Since 2000, summer fresco-painting courses have been held continuously in Treglio under the direction of master Vico Calabrò. Italian and international masters have embellished the town's walls with frescoes. Treglio Affrescata takes place for one week each year between August and September. Participants can take fresco-painting lessons and paint their own work on a house wall. Since the first event in 2000, the recurring theme has been olive oil and wine.

The fresco theme is thus linked to an artistic practice in which participants can contribute their own work. If you plan to visit for Treglio Affrescata, check the specific event dates in advance.

Church, Palazzetto, and Local History

The Chiesa Maria Santissima Assunta dates from the late 18th century; admission is free. Its brick façade features pilasters and a pediment, while the bell tower is divided into two levels. Inside, three bays structure the single nave, topped by sail vaults. The building thus combines a clearly articulated exterior with an interior shaped by its vaults.

Another historic building is the Palazzetto baronale, a former bishop's palace dating from the 18th century. Its features include a portal, a front balcony, and a small two-story tower. Treglio itself has medieval origins and is mentioned in papal bulls from the 12th and 13th centuries. The town's history therefore reaches further back than the buildings mentioned here, connecting medieval records with 18th-century architecture.

Borgo Rurale: Food and Rural Architecture

At Borgo Rurale, visitors can sample chestnuts, new wine, freshly pressed olive oil, and traditional dishes from the Frentano area. The dishes are prepared on site according to age-old traditions. The experience combines regional products and food with the town's rural architecture: visitors can stroll through the lanes and see old cellars and ancient olive mills set within the rural buildings.

Those interested in the connection between food and the townscape can enjoy both during the same visit: tastings are accompanied by views of cellars and olive mills. This differs from the focus on fresco painting, where the main attractions are the artworks, courses, and opportunity to create a work of your own.

Festivals and When to Visit

Treglio's festival calendar includes religious and civic celebrations in honor of Saint George on April 23, and of Maria Santissima Assunta and San Rocco on August 15 and 16. Treglio Affrescata, by contrast, takes place for one week each year between August and September. These different dates may be relevant to your travel plans; check in advance which specific event dates are scheduled for your stay.

Landscape and Getting Around

Treglio lies among cultivated hills that slope gently down toward the sea at the Costa dei Trabocchi. The Marina di San Vito Chietino, with its trabocchi, is five kilometers from Treglio.

The road network also helps you get your bearings: Treglio lies between Road No. 83 Frentana and the S. Vito-Lanciano provincial road, near the A14 motorway toll booth. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh whether to focus your trip on the frescoes and historic architecture, the tastings and rural buildings, or the connection to the Costa dei Trabocchi.

Discover more destinations: Crecchio, Sant'Eusanio del Sangro, Torricella Peligna, Marina Di Vasto, Ortona, Ripa Teatina, Roccamontepiano, Castiglione Messer Marino.

Go to the broader travel overview: Chieti.