Arielli between the Maiella and the Adriatic

Arielli between hills, the Maiella and the Adriatic

Arielli is situated on a hill in the hinterland of Ortona, between the Maiella and the Adriatic. Its location combines the vastness of the landscape with a distinct regional character: vineyards and olive groves cover the hills inland from Ortona and give the surroundings their rural character. For your travel planning, this means choosing a destination where landscape, culture and regional cuisine are closely connected. Those looking for accommodation in Arielli can therefore shape their stay around these different focal points without reducing the town to just one attraction.

There is also a specific starting point for outdoor activities. The path known as the “percorso natura” combines physical activity with experiencing nature. It thus complements exploring the town with a simple experience connected to the landscape. Arielli’s old water mills are another of the town’s traditional features.

Churches, art and historical traces

The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo preserves important sculptures by the artist Tonino Santeusanio from Crecchio. The church of Madonna delle Grazie contains a statue of the Madonna and Child. It also preserves a terracotta statue made from a single piece, dated to 1590–1600. Together, the two churches give Arielli a cultural dimension that can be discovered not only through the town’s history but also through specific examples of sacred art.

The former castle of Arielli is also part of the town’s history. Based on its style, architecture and use, it is dated to the period between the 9th and 11th centuries AD. The castle collapsed in 1904, and its ruins were subsequently removed. This dating should therefore be understood as a historical trace, not as an indication of a castle complex that still exists today.

Wine tradition and cuisine of the Province of Chieti

The wine tradition of Arielli and the surrounding area includes Montepulciano, Cerasuolo and Trebbiano. These grape varieties suit the landscape of vineyards and olive groves and root the town in the culinary culture of the province.

Arielli is also associated with typical dishes and traditional recipes from the Province of Chieti. These include maccheroni alla chitarra with a mixed ragù made from beef, pork or lamb. Rape strascinate are also part of the typical cuisine of the Province of Chieti. Fiadoni are among its traditional recipes. Regional cuisine can therefore be considered a focus in its own right alongside churches, history and experiencing nature.

Festivals in the historic town centre

The feast of the patron saint San Michele Arcangelo is celebrated in Arielli every year on 29 September. During the Christmas period, the historic town centre also hosts a travelling Nativity play organised by the parish. Events such as these further define Arielli through its religious and community calendar.

More places for your travel planning

If you would like to combine Arielli with other destinations, you can also visit Palombaro, Tollo, Torricella Peligna, Ortona, Mezzano, Treglio, Pizzoferrato and Montazzoli.

For the overall travel overview: Chieti.