Discover Alanno

Alanno combines a medieval character with a varied natural landscape and local traditions. These themes offer different starting points for planning your trip: the towers and churches in the historic centre, the biotopes of the Oasi WWF Lago di Alanno-Piano d’Orta, and festivals and regional specialities. Events have fixed dates; nature and local history provide independent points of interest for your stay.

Towers, lanes and churches in the historic centre

Alanno’s historic centre is defined by three distinctive towers: two square and one round. A network of narrow lanes, known as “le rue”, is also part of its characteristic layout. The elongated town centre was originally surrounded by defensive walls. Remains of the city wall’s bastions and the castle tower can be seen in Alanno. The round defensive tower dates from the 14th century and probably belonged to a fortification that enclosed the historic centre.

The churches also reveal different facets of the town’s history. The Church of the Assumption of Mary stands in the historic centre and has an interior with three naves. The Church of San Francesco and its adjoining monastery, dedicated to Saint Ludovicus, date from the late 13th or early 14th century. The Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie is traditionally associated with a miraculous apparition in 1498. These details offer different chronological and architectural points of reference without reducing the buildings to a single period.

There is an important visitor restriction for the Church of Maria Santissima del Carmine: it is closed to the public. As the information is dated 7 December 2023, check its status before visiting.

Biotopes and countryside around Alanno

The Oasi WWF Lago di Alanno-Piano d’Orta comprises three interconnected biotopes: the river basin, the reed bed and the surrounding hills. The wetlands provide refuge for numerous waterbird species. Those mentioned include Eurasian teal, mallard, common pochard, common moorhen, little grebe and Eurasian coot. The yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) is the symbol of the Oasi. Water, reeds, hills and birdlife are thus different elements of the same natural setting.

The Oasi del Lago di Alanno is described as a 38-hectare natural area around an artificial lake. The lake was created by a dam on the Pescara River; the area lies within the municipalities of Alanno, Bolognano, Scafa and Torre de' Passeri. Vineyards and olive groves also shape the landscape around Alanno. By car, the Oasi can be reached via the A25 Rome–Pescara motorway and the Alanno-Scafa exit. Check road conditions before setting off.

Festivals and local specialities

The Fiera dell’Agricoltura e dell’Artigianato di Alanno is described as an annual three-day festival. The programme includes olive oil and wine tastings. As the specific dates and programme for your visit are what matter, check them before travelling. Alanno’s local specialities include Anellini alla pecorara and Sagne e ceci.

Another tradition is the Pastorella: every year, on the night of 12–13 December, it passes through different areas and streets within the municipality of Alanno. Here, too, it is advisable to confirm the latest dates locally in advance. The Fiera and the Pastorella therefore differ not only in season but also in scope: one is a three-day festival, the other a nighttime tradition with a route through the municipality.

When choosing where to stay, consider whether you would like to discover Alanno primarily through the architectural history of its town centre, its natural areas or one of its seasonal traditions. The historic buildings and landscape offer different points of interest from the festivals, whose dates are key to your planning.

Discover more destinations: Bolognano, Villa Celiera, Roccamorice, Caprara D'abruzzo, Spoltore, Civitaquana, Cappelle Sul Tavo, Vicoli.

For the regional travel overview: Pescara.