Alanno between History, Nature and Regional Cuisine

Alanno combines a medieval-style townscape with species-rich wetlands, vineyards, olive groves and traditional local cuisine. In the historic centre, there are small lanes known as “le rue”, as well as three distinctive towers: two are square and one is round. At the same time, the Oasi WWF Lago di Alanno-Piano d’Orta offers a nature-focused attraction with biotopes and waterbirds. This makes Alanno suitable for planning a trip that combines history, landscape and regional specialities.

Historic Centre and Sacred Buildings

The elongated shape of the historic centre dates back to an earlier fortification: originally, the town was surrounded by defensive walls. In Alanno, you can visit the remains of the town-wall bastions and the castle tower. The round defensive tower dates from the 14th century and probably formed part of a fortified wall that enclosed the historic centre. There is also a medieval tower on the Piazzetta della Torre, recognised as a cultural asset of cultural interest.

The town’s churches include Santa Maria Assunta, which stands in the historic centre and has a three-aisled interior. The Church of San Francesco and the adjoining monastery dedicated to Saint Ludovicus date from the late 13th or early 14th century. The Oratory of Santa Maria delle Grazie is traditionally associated with a miraculous apparition in 1498. Important for planning your sightseeing: the Church of Maria Santissima del Carmine is closed to the public.

Wetlands, Lake and Waterbirds

The Oasi WWF Lago di Alanno-Piano d’Orta comprises three interconnected biotopes: the river basin, the reedbed and the surrounding hills. In total, it covers 160 hectares in the areas of Alanno, Torre de' Passeri, Bolognano and Scafa. The wetlands provide refuge for numerous waterbird species, including Eurasian teals, mallards, pochards, moorhens, little grebes and coots. The yellow iris, scientifically known as Iris pseudacorus, is regarded as the symbol of the Oasi.

The Oasi del Lago di Alanno is a natural area of around 38 hectares surrounding an artificial lake. The lake was created by a dam on the Pescara River; the area lies within the municipalities of Alanno, Bolognano, Scafa and Torre de' Passeri. If travelling by car, the Oasi WWF Lago di Alanno-Piano d’Orta can be reached via the A25 Rome–Pescara motorway and the Alanno-Scafa exit. The landscape around Alanno is also characterised by vineyards and olive groves.

Olive Oil, Wine and Local Traditions

The Fiera dell’Agricoltura e dell’Artigianato di Alanno is considered an annual three-day festival. The event includes tastings of olive oil and wine. The local specialities also give the trip a clear regional character: Alanno’s typical dishes include Anellini alla pecorara and Sagne e ceci. Anyone who wants to discover the town through its products and customs will find just as tangible an introduction through these themes as through its towers and churches.

Another established tradition is the Pastorella. Every year, on the night of 12 to 13 December, it passes through the various areas and streets of the municipality of Alanno. In this way, historical traces, religious traditions and culinary particularities combine to create a townscape that consists of more than just individual sights.

Choosing Suitable Accommodation in Alanno

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Alanno, you can base your personal priorities on the different aspects of the town. The historic centre represents towers, lanes, churches and preserved traces of fortifications. The Oasi areas draw attention to biotopes, the artificial lake and waterbirds. Vineyards, olive groves, Anellini alla pecorara and Sagne e ceci complement this selection with landscape and cuisine. If you would like to combine several of these themes, Alanno provides a manageable basis for your individual trip to Italy.

More places for planning your trip to Italy: Manoppello Scalo, Cappelle Sul Tavo, Citta' Sant'angelo, Picciano, Pianella, Moscufo, Pietranico, Castiglione A Casauria.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pescara.