Pescara

The dynamic city of Pescara, the most populous city of Abruzzo, is only 12km far from Silvi Marina and can be easily reached in about 10 minutes by means of 2 bus lines and frequent regional trains.

The first stop is Corso Umberto, which will lead you from the main station to the beach, where you will be welcomed by the fountain “Nave” by Basilio Cascella. The corso and its main crossroads are pedestrian zone, and they allow a carefree walk in the “natural shopping center”, Pescara city centre. In addition, you could entertain yourself in the historic bars, ice cream parlors, and pastry shops located in Piazza della Rinascita, better known as “Piazza Salotto”. If you prefer art, you will have the opportunity to discover modern and contemporary sculptures or visit buildings of the early 20th century that are now home to beautiful museums: the recent Imago Museum https://imagomuseum.it/, the headquarters of the Pescara Abruzzo Foundation, the Vittoria Colonna Museum and Villa Urania https://www.museopaparelladevlet.com/villa-urania/. Close to Piazza Muzii, the former covered market can be found, whose surroundings are full of cocktail bars and restaurants.

Another characteristic area is “Pescara vecchia”: pedestrian streets in the Portanuova district in the area of the former Bourbon fortress, some remains of which can still be observed. Many bars offering aperitif/cocktails and boasting live music characterize the area, together with several renowned restaurants. Many places of historical and cultural interest can be found too: in Via delle Caserme, in the premises of the former Bourbon bath, a must-see is the Museum of the folks of Abruzzo https://www.gentidabruzzo.com/, “a unique tool for the discovery and understanding of Abruzzo and its cultural heritage”, which, in addition to hosting a rich permanent exhibition, organizes year-round educational and cultural activities for all ages and small temporary exhibitions.

Along Corso Manthonè you will find the Museum Casa Natale di Gabriele D’Annunzio https//www.musei.abruzzo.beniculturali.it , the birthplace of Ennio Flaiano, and a monument dedicated to the Italian screenwriter, playwright, novelist, journalist, and drama critic. Every summer since 1974, the Flaiano International Awards https://www.premiflaiano.com/ are organized in his honour. The Circolo Aternino, which is often home to exhibitions and events, and the Sunday antiques market in Piazza Unione are also worth mentioning. In Autumn, the area is “invaded” by FLA – Festival of Books and other things, which has, over the years, become one of the most attractive local cultural events. Adjacent to the area are the Cathedral of San Cetteo, patron saint of the city, the Cascella Museum, and the brand new Nineteenth Century Museum https://museumodellocento.eu/.

The green lung of the city is the Natural Reserve Pineta Dannunziana, which extends over more than 50 hectares, and is accessible from either the seafront or the former Aurum, palace of the twentieth century that was once dedicated to the production of the famous liqueur and is now a cultural center. In this area, there are many examples of Art Nouveau villas perfectly preserved. Inside the Pineta you will also find the Gabriele D’annunzio Monument Theatre and the Flaiano Auditorium, which are home to numerous summer events and local and international concerts, such as the historic Pescara Jazz https://www.pescarajazz.com/ and Funambolika https://www.funambolika.com. There is also plenty of choice when it comes to theatrical performances: Pescara boasts a rich events calendar, with a plethora of local companies that perform in many small and large city theatres.

The seafront is characterized by wide beaches, a comfortable pavement, a bike path and the well-equipped bathing establishments, which often host excellent fish restaurants, roast specialties or pizzerias. The river Pescara and its canal port divide the south and the north zone – i.e. the old Castellammare Adriatica and Pescara, which were unified in 1927. The river banks are connected to the river mouth by the cycle path “Ponte del Mare”, from which you can admire a breathtaking view over the city, the Adriatic coast and the “cathedrals” of Abruzzo: the Maiella and the Gran Sasso.

On the southern seafront you will also find the Marina, another focal point of Pescara, which hosts fairs, events and concerts throughout the year. Here the summer events: https://estatica-pescara.com/.
The seaside area is also characterized by the Trabocchi along the north pier, and above all by a strong intangible maritime spirit, embodied by fishermen and their families who still inhabit the villages adjacent to the two river banks. One of the most heartfelt festivals is in fact the one dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, at the end of July, organized by the Marineria of the old Castellammare Adriatica to honor their patron saint. The statue is carried on a flagship, and leads a long procession of boats at sea, until a laurel wreath is thrown in memory of those who died at sea. The closing of these festive days, characterized by festivals and events, is done with beautiful fireworks on the beach.