Discover Popoli: Springs, History and Culture

Popoli offers a travel experience in which natural landscapes, historic architecture and special events stand closely alongside one another. At the heart of the landscape is the Riserva Naturale Regionale Sorgenti del Pescara. The protected area encompasses a clear body of water fed by numerous small and large springs, with a combined flow of approximately 7,000 litres per second. Approximately 110 resident and migratory bird species have been recorded in the protected area.

Nature Trail to the Springs

The educational trail leads from the protected area's information point directly to the central springs of the Pescara. The information point therefore serves as the starting point for exploring the protected area. The nature trail's circular route consists of the Sentiero Canapine and the Sentiero Colle Pescara.

Admission to the Sorgenti del Pescara protected area is free and is not restricted to specific opening days or times. Access is via State Road 72 (S.S. 72) towards Vittorito, as far as the locality of Capo Pescara.

History at the Taverna Ducale

An important historic site in Popoli is the Taverna Ducale. It was built in the second half of the 14th century as a “casa-bottega” for collecting tithes on the produce of the Cantelmo family's estates. At the same time, it is a medieval building of Abruzzese architecture commissioned by the Cantelmo dukes, the lords of Popoli.

Today, the Taverna Ducale is used as a museum and for exhibitions and events. It was later converted into a tavern for buyers and travellers; the rooms on the upper floor were also used as accommodation.

Further cultural highlights include the Palio e Certame de la Contea di Popoli and the Church of San Francesco. The Palio e Certame de la Contea di Popoli reenacts an event from the history of the Cantelmo family. The Church of San Francesco preserves paintings and wooden sculptures from the 15th century.

Motor Racing and Thermal Treatments

Popoli also has a distinctive connection with hill-climb racing. The Cronoscalata Svolte di Popoli was established in 1963 as a hill-climb race on an 8-kilometre course from Popoli to the junction for San Benedetto In Perillis. Since 2006, the Cronoscalata has been held in two heats on a 7.53-kilometre course. The historical course details show how the Cronoscalata changed from its creation to being held in two heats.

For a health-oriented stay, Terme Inn Popoli offers motor and respiratory thermal rehabilitation treatments. These treatments are available with a prescription from a specialist or the treating physician.

Getting to Popoli

Popoli Terme is served by Popoli-Vittorito railway station on the Rome–Pescara railway line.

More Destinations for Your Trip to Italy

Caramanico Terme, Cappelle Sul Tavo, Elice, Tocco Da Casauria, Villareia, Case D'amico, Manoppello Scalo, Rosciano

To the higher-level travel overview: Pescara.