Altino: Oasi di Serranella, sweet pepper cultivation and historic sites

Altino combines a distinctive local food culture with ecclesiastical history and a protected river landscape. This character is particularly evident in three areas: the Museo del Peperone Dolce di Altino and the historic Trappeti, the Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie, and the Oasi di Serranella with the “Percorso dei fiumi.” Depending on your interests, the town can be explored from a cultural and historical, culinary or nature-oriented perspective.

Churches, museum and historic olive mills

The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie houses an altarpiece of the Madonna delle Grazie dating from 1335. The Chiesa di San Rocco, located outside the old town center, represents a different period. Based on stylistic assessment, it was probably built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Its location outside the old center and its date of construction make it an independent point of interest in Altino’s historical exploration.

The Museo del Peperone Dolce di Altino was designed by architect Giuseppe Manzi and inaugurated in Altino in July 2015. It is a place of historical memory and environmental change, strengthening the identity of the Altino area. In addition, I Trappeti document the development from the “trabocco” mills, among the oldest and most impressive mills of the 19th century, to mills with wooden or iron screw presses. The Altino area has numerous ancient Trappeti, that is, olive mills preserved in their original form with working machinery and intact rooms. The term “Trappeti” therefore refers not only to individual buildings but also to the historical processing of olive oil.

Oasi di Serranella and the “Percorso dei fiumi”

The Oasi di Serranella is a regional nature reserve located in the municipal areas of Altino, Casoli and Sant'Eusanio del Sangro. In 1987, a protected oasis for the fauna of the Province of Chieti was established there; in 1990, it was designated a regional reserve under Regional Law L.R. 68/90. The Oasi di Serranella is also included in the Site of Community Importance IT7140215 “Lago di Serranella e colline di Guarenna.”

In the Altino area, the “Percorso dei fiumi” leads to the confluence of the Aventino and Sangro rivers. At suitable times, the route allows visitors to observe waterfowl, even from close range. Access is from contrada Selva.

Peperone dolce di Altino and local cuisine

The Peperone dolce di Altino refers to the sweet pepper variety “Paesanello di Altino,” also known as “A cocce capammonte,” whose fruit points upward. It is used as a seasoning in regional cured meats such as Salsicce and Ventricina. Only residents of the competing contrade take part in the Festival del Peperone dolce di Altino. They create their own menus, reinterpret traditional recipes and experiment with new combinations featuring sweet peppers. In this way, the specialty is showcased not only as a product but also through its connection with recipes and local participation.

Other places for orientation

For further travel planning, you can also compare Fossacesia, Palombaro, Torino Di Sangro, Roccascalegna, Roccamontepiano, San Giovanni Teatino, Pretoro and Rosello.

For the overarching travel overview: Chieti.