Popoli: Nature, Culture and Hotels

Popoli brings together nature and a rich, tangible history of culture and events. In the Riserva Naturale Regionale Sorgenti del Pescara nature reserve, the springs, birdlife and educational trails take centre stage; the Taverna Ducale and the Church of San Francesco offer a glimpse into architectural and art history. The town is also associated with the history of the Cronoscalata Svolte di Popoli and offers thermal rehabilitation. These are distinct points of interest for planning your trip: a visit to nature, an interest in history and, if applicable, a stay timed to coincide with an event.

Springs and birdlife

The Riserva Naturale Regionale Sorgenti del Pescara nature reserve includes a body of clear water fed by numerous small and large springs. Their combined flow is approximately 7,000 litres per second. This figure refers to the approximate total flow of all the springs together. About 110 resident and migratory bird species have also been recorded in the reserve. Two distinct nature themes are therefore at its heart: the spring landscape and the birdlife.

Trails and planning your visit

The easy-to-walk Sentiero didattico leads directly from the reserve’s information point to the main springs of the Pescara. The nature trail’s loop consists of the Sentiero Canapine and the Sentiero Colle Pescara. The route descriptions thus highlight different features: reaching the springs is explicitly part of the Sentiero didattico description, while the names of the two sections identify the loop.

Admission to the Sorgenti del Pescara reserve is free, with no restrictions to specific opening days or hours. Nevertheless, check the visitor information again before travelling. To reach the reserve, take State Road 72 (S.S. 72) towards Vittorito as far as the village of Capo Pescara; check the route using current local information before setting off.

Taverna Ducale: architectural history and uses

The Taverna Ducale was built in the second half of the 14th century as a “casa-bottega” (combined home and workshop). It was used to collect tithes on produce from the Cantelmo family’s estates. A medieval example of Abruzzese architecture, it was commissioned by the Cantelmo dukes, the lords of Popoli. It later served as an inn for buyers and travellers; the rooms on the upper floor were also used as lodgings.

Today, the Taverna Ducale is used as a museum and for exhibitions and events. Check the programme for the relevant dates before visiting. The building’s history, its former use by travellers and its current use as a museum and event venue offer different insights into its past.

Art, racing and history

The Church of San Francesco preserves paintings and wooden sculptures from the 15th century. The church’s art complements the architectural perspective offered by the medieval Taverna Ducale. The Palio e Certame de la Contea di Popoli also draws on the history of the Cantelmo family and reenacts an event from the family’s past.

The Cronoscalata Svolte di Popoli offers another point of historical interest. It began in 1963 as a hill climb on an eight-kilometre course from Popoli to the junction for San Benedetto In Perillis. Since 2006, it has been run in two heats over a 7.53-kilometre course. The figures therefore distinguish the original course length from the later race format. If you plan to visit for an event, check the dates and schedule for that year’s edition.

Getting there and thermal rehabilitation

Popoli Terme is served by Popoli-Vittorito railway station on the Rome–Pescara line. Check the current timetable before travelling. For a stay focused on thermal rehabilitation, Terme Inn Popoli offers physical and respiratory treatments. A prescription from a specialist or treating doctor is required; take this condition into account when planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vicoli, Sant'eufemia A Maiella, Bussi Sul Tirino, Turrivalignani, Tocco Da Casauria, Brittoli, Case D'amico, Cerratina.

Back to the main travel overview: Pescara.