Penne: Historic Buildings and Nature

Penne combines a historic centre with nature attractions around Lago di Penne. The centre stretches across two hills. If you’re looking for a hotel in Penne, choosing between architectural history and nature experiences can shape the focus of your stay.

Cultural history in the historic centre

The historic centre is home to aristocratic palaces, churches and monasteries, city gates, historic fountains and museums. The Chiesa di San Domenico dates back to the 13th century and has a Baroque interior. The cloister next to the church was built in 1330 at the former Dominican monastery. The crypt of the Duomo di San Massimo is considered one of the rare examples of Italian architecture from before the year 1000. It has four ancient marble columns and large painted areas. A commemorative plaque at Porta San Francesco recalls Saint Francis’s visit to Penne in 1216; the gate is built entirely of brick. The buildings date from before 1000 to 1330.

Museum and nature exhibits

The Museo Naturalistico “De Leone” showcases traditional Vestine arts, including ceramics and woodwork. Its natural history exhibits include a diorama about the otter and two aquariums depicting river and lake environments. This brings craft traditions together with depictions of animal and aquatic worlds in one museum. The contrast adds another perspective to the historic buildings and the subjects you can discover in Penne.

Lago di Penne and trails

The WWF Oasis of Lago di Penne is also the Riserva Naturale Regionale Lago di Penne and a Site of Community Importance, or Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with the code IT7130214. It is located in the municipality of Penne (PE). Via the Riserva Naturale Regionale Lago di Penne, Penne is a gateway to the Parco nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga.

The trails in the Riserva Naturale Regionale Lago di Penne are easy to walk. They have unpaved surfaces or are laid out as wooden boardwalks, and are mostly also suitable for people with motor disabilities. A canoe trip on Lago di Penne in a Canadian canoe offers the chance to observe the local flora and fauna. If you’re planning this trip, check in advance whether it is available on your chosen date.

Getting there

If you’re travelling by train, Pescara Centrale is the nearest railway station. From there, you can reach Penne on the Pescara-Penne suburban bus line. Check the timetables before travelling so you can include the bus connection in your arrival plans.

Discover more destinations: Civitella Casanova, Torre De' Passeri, Villareia, Roccamorice, Rosciano, San Valentino In Abruzzo Citeriore, Picciano, Villa Celiera.

Return to the regional travel overview: Pescara.