Pianella: Churches, Ceramics and Landscapes

During a stay in Pianella, local history, churches and ceramic art can be combined with experiences in the surrounding landscape. Old documents refer to the town as Castrum Planellae; Pianella was fortified. At the Belvedere Andrea Pietrolungo, there is also a spacious amphitheatre and a south-facing view of the Majella massif. The tourist circular routes in the Pianella area include Le Vie dell’Olio, about 10 kilometres long, and Le Vie dei Laghi, about 18 kilometres long.

History and architecture in Pianella

The Arco di San Silvestro is one of Pianella’s old town gates; access is free. The structure illustrates a specific aspect of the town’s history: its fortifications and gates. The churches also reflect different historical periods. The masonry of the Chiesa di San Domenico is late Romanesque, overlaid by Renaissance and Baroque elements. The church thus brings together several layers of art history. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate was built on an existing medieval structure. Its single, small chapel contains the body of Saint Ciriaca, virgin and martyr, in a glass urn.

Ceramics museum and tradition

The Museo dell'Artigianato Ceramico Abruzzese is municipally owned and displays more than 400 ceramics dating from the 16th to the 20th century. The collection therefore includes pieces from several centuries. A reservation is required to visit the museum; call 333 351 7289.

Another cultural experience is Lu Bbongiorne: this centuries-old tradition can be experienced on the afternoon of Easter Sunday and is attributed to the Lombard period. Despite some changes, it remains very much alive and attracts strong participation. If you would like to visit Pianella for this event, check the exact dates before your trip.

Views, olive oil and walking routes

The Belvedere Andrea Pietrolungo offers a sweeping south-facing view of the Majella massif; it also features a spacious amphitheatre. Another facet of the area is the olive oil Pianella is known for, made from the “dritta” olive variety. The olive groves are also specifically included along the Le Vie dell’Olio route.

Le Vie dell’Olio is a tourist circular route about 10 kilometres long, running through the countryside and olive groves of Pianella. Le Vie dei Laghi is about 18 kilometres long and passes through the area’s natural landscapes. This makes Le Vie dell’Olio the shorter of the two routes. Both run entirely on paved roads and can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or by car. To choose between them, you can compare their approximate lengths and the different landscape features.

Along Le Vie dei Laghi are lakes that provide a habitat for numerous resident and migratory waterbird species. The route, with its lakes and waterbirds, thus complements the olive groves along Le Vie dell’Olio. Both circular routes offer a tangible connection to Pianella’s landscape, without conflating their stated lengths or features.

Discover more destinations: Castiglione A Casauria, Case D'amico, Loreto Aprutino, Castellana, Tocco Da Casauria, Cepagatti, Collecorvino, Villa Celiera.

Return to the main travel overview: Pescara.