Castelli between majolica, mountain landscapes, and craftsmanship

Castelli is suited to travelers who would like to discover a place with a clearly recognizable townscape and striking mountain scenery. The built-up area lies on a rocky spur that has been deeply eroded by the Rio and Leomogna waterways. The rock face of Monte Camicia towers over Castelli and ends at Fondo della Salsa with an elevation difference of almost 1,000 meters. For your planning, this makes it a destination where the town and the mountain landscape belong together as two clear points of reference.

Ceramics shape the character of Castelli

Castelli is internationally known for its traditional artistic ceramics production. Active artisan ceramic workshops can still be found in many parts of the town. The Museo delle Ceramiche was established by a regional law dated January 24, 1984, to promote the culture and art of majolica and to preserve and exhibit the works created over the centuries through Castelli's ceramic production. The museum is housed in a Franciscan monastery dating from the mid-16th century.

Museum and sacred art

An old craft workshop has been reconstructed in the Museo delle Ceramiche. Visitors can see the preparation of the clay, its shaping, glazing, and decoration, as well as a reproduction of a traditional ceramic kiln known as a “Forno a respiro.” This means that you encounter ceramics not only as finished works, but also through the individual stages of their production. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista was built in 1601. Inside, there is a majolica altarpiece by Francesco Grue dating from 1647.

Mountain landscapes, wildlife, and local events

If you would like to combine nature and local culture, your plans can include several different experiences. The “From Castelli to Fondo della Salsa” hike involves an excursion on foot. The protected wildlife in the area around Castelli includes wild boar and buzzards. Anyone hiking from Castelli through the mountain forests toward the mountains may encounter wolves or chamois. Ceramics also feature in local events: the “Agosto Castellano” program includes an outdoor market for ceramic crafts. On August 15, the inhabitants of Castelli throw terracotta plates from the Belvedere.

Traveling to and staying in Castelli

For travel purposes, Castelli is 13 km from the Colledara / San Gabriele exit of the A24 Roseto–Rome–L’Aquila–Teramo motorway. This distance can serve as a guide when comparing the location of your accommodation with your daily itinerary. Castelli has seven dining establishments where you can stop for a meal. When choosing a hotel, you can therefore consider whether the focus of your stay should be on local culture, ceramics, mountain landscapes, and a hike involving an excursion on foot.

Further destinations for your travel plans: Montone, Pineto, Fano Adriano, Mazzocco, Arsita, Poggio Morello, Campli, Atri

For the overarching travel overview: Teramo.