Treglio – Frescoes, History and the Costa dei Trabocchi

Treglio combines its medieval origins with a vibrant fresco tradition and the landscape of the Costa dei Trabocchi. The town lies among cultivated hills that slope gently down towards the sea. When you choose accommodation in Treglio, you are choosing a place whose character is shaped by history, art, rural architecture and its proximity to coastal destinations.

Historic Centre and Sacred Architecture

Treglio is a town of medieval origin and is mentioned in papal bulls from the 12th and 13th centuries. In the historic centre, old architectural forms blend with brightly coloured frescoes. The Chiesa Maria Santissima Assunta dates from the late 18th century. Its brick façade features pilasters and a pediment, along with a two-storey bell tower. Inside, you will find a single-nave layout with three bays and sail vaults. Admission to the church is free.

The Palazzetto baronale is also part of the town’s historic character. The building is a former 18th-century bishop’s palace with a beautiful portal, a front balcony and a two-storey turret. A walk through the town therefore offers the chance to view different facets of its local architectural history side by side.

Frescoes as a Living Local Tradition

In Treglio, fresco painting is not merely a historical decorative element. Since 2000, summer fresco-painting courses have been held continuously under the direction of the master Vico Calabrò. Various Italian and foreign masters have enriched the town’s walls with frescoes. The Treglio Affresco association also aims to establish a permanent fresco-painting studio in the municipal area, spread frescoes on exterior walls in the historic centre and in the Contrade of Treglio, and promote this culture at municipal and regional level.

Treglio Affrescata is a special event in the annual calendar. The event takes place every year for one week between August and September. Participants can take fresco-painting lessons and paint their own work on a house wall. Since the first edition in 2000, the recurring theme has been Oil and Wine. The documented festival calendar also includes religious and civic celebrations in honour of Saint George on 23 April, as well as Maria Santissima Assunta and San Rocco on 15 and 16 August.

Borgo Rurale, Wine and Regional Cuisine

At the Borgo Rurale, you can taste chestnuts, new wine, freshly milled olive oil and traditional dishes from the Frentano area. The food is prepared on site according to age-old traditions. At the same time, the visit takes you through the town’s lanes to old cellars and ancient oil mills integrated into the rural architecture. For travellers who want to combine culture with regional food, this also reveals the everyday side of the area.

Location between the Hills and the Coast

Treglio lies between Road No. 83 Frentana and the S. Vito-Lanciano provincial road, near the A14 motorway toll station. Marina di San Vito Chietino, with its trabocchi, is 5 kilometres from Treglio. For cyclists, the “Crinale Frentano MARE - MONTI” route of the Costa dei Trabocchi cycle network is 4.12 km away. These two distances provide concrete reference points when you want to put your accommodation and other activities in the surrounding area into perspective.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Treglio, you can continue your search with Gamberale, Monteodorisio, Colledimezzo, Altino, Casalincontrada, Palombaro, Sambuceto and Torricella Peligna.

For the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.