Abruzzo
Although Abruzzo is located in the centre of Italy, it is considered more as part of southern Italy culturally. It consists of four provinces: L’Aquila, Terramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Its western border lies 80 km (50 miles) east of Rome.
Abruzzo borders with the Adriatic Sea on the east, Le Marche on the north, Lazio on the west, and Molise to the south. It consists of miles of picturesque towns, miles of beautiful beaches, and 3 national parks which offer skiing, biking, and hiking. The Adriatic coastline of Abruzzo stretches over 130 kilometres of beautiful and pristine beaches. Abruzzo has been awarded the 13 Blue Flags for the best of its beaches in 2021! The Blue Flag is one of the most recognised awards for beautiful beaches, and marinas in the world. To qualify for a Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be fulfilled and maintained. Abruzzo is famous for the production of one of Abruzzo produced with Montepulciano grapes.The majority of the region’s wine production is in Chieti province.
Capital – L’Aquila
L’Aquila translates into “The Eagle” and is the capital city of Abruzzi. It is laid out within medieval walls and situated on a hill in the wide valley of the Aterno River. It is surrounded by the Apennine Mountains the Gran Sasso and the Velino-Sirente, 58 miles (93lm) northeast of Rome. It is filled with Baroque and Renaissance architecture. L’Aquila is home to the University of L’Aquila. The university dates back to 1596 when L’aquilanum Collegium was founded although it was formally established in 1964 and adopted its present name in the year 1982.
Foods of Abruzzo
Saffron from L'Aquila
Used in risotto. It is among the best saffron in the world.
Licorice
Used in candy, juice, and almonds. It is also used in the herbal and cosmetic industry.
Mortadella di Campotosto
Cured pork meat finely ground and seasoned with salt, pepper and white wine, and spices and then encased in a bar of lard which is then studded inside a gut sac. It is then smoked for 2 months.
Nougat/Torrone
Made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazel nuts, and macadamia nuts), whipped egg whites, and sometimes chopped candied fruit.
Gentian Liqueur
Made from the dried root of the gentian plant. It includes more than 400 species and can be found in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Confetti di Sulmona
A seafood-based risotto made with squid ink.
Spaghetti alla Chitarra
Guitar shaped spaghetti made with durum wheat semolina and egg. It is usually served with a sauce made up of tiny meatballs made from mixed meats.