Schiavi di Abruzzo: Antiquity, Trails and Monte Pizzuto

Schiavi di Abruzzo between Antiquity and Mountain Panoramas

If you are looking for an Italian town with an archaeological history, sacred art and expansive views of the landscape, Schiavi di Abruzzo combines several interesting facets. The important cultural complex of the Italic Temples, the medieval historic centre and Monte Pizzuto with its 360° views give the town a range of distinctive points of interest.

The Italic Temples and Archaeological Insights

The Italic Temples form an important cultural complex and provide visible archaeological evidence of the ancient history of Schiavi di Abruzzo. The smaller temple in the complex dates back to 90–88 BC. In the immediate vicinity of the Area Sacra lies a necropolis whose burials date from the 11th century BC to the 4th century AD.

The Museo Archeologico di Schiavi D’Abruzzo is located in the historic centre of Schiavi di Abruzzo. The Museo Archeologico Schiavi di Abruzzo (MASDA) presents a summary of the finds and research relating to the Area Sacra of the Italic Temples. Its tour focuses on the architectural design of the Area Sacra as well as on the burial rites and funerals of the Samnite population.

Historic Centre and Sacred Art

The Chiesa San Maurizio Martire was built around the middle of the 16th century and completely rebuilt and enlarged between 1856 and 1866. It was given three naves and eight altars. The church contains notable works by local artists, including the altarpiece “Anime del Purgatorio” by Giuseppe Lallo from Castiglione and a painting of the Madonna del Carmine created by muleteers from Agnone.

The medieval historic centre preserves visible traces of a fortified settlement. The upper quarter includes the area known as “Castello”. This makes it possible to combine archaeological, religious and local historical themes during a walk, without limiting the historic character of the centre to a single attraction.

Trails to Monte Pizzuto

The Templi Italici–Monte Pizzuto cycling and walking route begins at the archaeological site, leads to the Museo Archeologico in the town and continues to the summit of Monte Pizzuto at an altitude of 1,290 m. Previously unused paths were reopened for this route; signposts and information boards were also installed.

A panoramic walk on Monte Pizzuto near Schiavi d'Abruzzo offers 360° views from the Monti Simbruini and the Monti della Meta across the Monti del Matese and the Maiella to the Adriatic Sea and the Tremiti Islands.

Regional Speciality

Pallott casc'e ova are a typical speciality of the southern Abruzzo area. At the Sagra delle Pallott Casc'e Ova announced on 19 August 2015, they were prepared by women from the town and served together with other typical products from the region.

Other Places in the Selection

For further orientation, you can also view San Lorenzo, Gamberale, San Martino Sulla Marrucina, Mezzano, Torricella Peligna, Ripa Teatina, Cerreto and Colledimezzo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.