Torricella Peligna opposite the Maiella, with views as far as the Adriatic Sea

Torricella Peligna lies on a high hilltop at 901 metres above sea level. The town is located opposite the Maiella, between the valleys of the Sangro and Aventino rivers. On clear days, panoramic views extend as far as the Adriatic Sea. The landscape, history and distinctive cultural traditions give the town a diverse character.

Historic Centre and Local Culture

In the town centre, a walk along the main street passes interesting 19th-century palaces before reaching the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo and the historic centre. The church was founded in 1173, as documented by a papal bull issued by Pope Alexander III to the Bishop of Chieti. San Giacomo Apostolo also houses a painting created by Elena Tilli in 1917. Tilli was a pupil of Francesco Paolo Michetti. The Museo Civico di Torricella Peligna displays bracelets and fittings dating from the 6th century BC, as well as a rare case of natural, spontaneous mummification. The Torre della Memoria bears the names of 110 sons of Torricella Peligna.

Pilgrimage and the John Fante Festival

The Sanctuary of Madonna delle Rose is a pilgrimage destination on Easter Monday and the last Saturday in May. During the Festa della Madonna delle Rose, the patron saints of Torricella Peligna are carried in a procession to the sanctuary. Another aspect of the town’s cultural life is the literary festival “Il dio di mio padre”, held every summer in Torricella Peligna. Founded in 2006, the event is dedicated to John Fante, whose father came from Torricella Peligna. The programme includes author talks, book presentations, readings, theatre and music performances, seminars and discussion panels. Since 2008, it has also included the international Premio John Fante literary prize. The events take place at the Mediateca John Fante, where publications of the complete works, translations into major foreign languages and studies by international critics can be consulted.

Trails Through Landscape and History

The Sentiero dei Carricini is 20 kilometres long in total and can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. It runs through the two Sites of Community Importance, Pennadomo–Torricella Peligna and Bosco Paganello. In addition to Torricella Peligna, the route includes Civitaluparella, Montenerodomo and Pennadomo, the four villages of the Sangro Aventino area. The “Sulle Orme di Sansone” route begins in Torricella Peligna, follows ancient tratturi to the rock church of Madonna delle Rose and then continues to the remarkable rock outcrop of Morgia di Gessopalena. For families, the adventure park in the pine forest is intended for children aged 4 to 7 who are between 105 and 130 centimetres tall.

A Special Ingredient from Torricella Peligna

The Sedano Nero di Torricella Peligna is part of the local character. This black celery variety is used in regional dishes, jams and pesto-like seasoning sauces, combined with porchetta and also used to make beer. The gardens around the Fontana delle Coste are mainly cultivated with this Sedano Nero.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Ortona, Bomba, Lentella, Roccascalegna, Treglio, Bucchianico, Canosa Sannita and Dogliola.

To the main travel overview: Chieti.