Stage 8
Chieti > Fermo
The much-anticipated “wall stage” begins in Chieti.
Chieti
The much-anticipated “wall stage” begins in Chieti, where the first stop is a tribute to the Warrior of Capestrano, a 6th-century BC stone and marble sculpture discovered in a necropolis of the ancient city of Aufinum. It is one of the most monumental and striking works of Italic art, depicting a warrior over two meters tall. It can be admired at the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo, housed in the neoclassical Villa Frigerj, before continuing along Corso Marrucino, the main axis of the historic center lined with elegant buildings. Also worth visiting are the Cathedral of San Giustino, a Romanesque and Baroque jewel with its imposing bell tower, the six small naves of the crypt, and the Baroque chapel of the Arciconfraternity of the Sacred Mount of the Dead. Silent witnesses to an ancient past are also the Roman Temples and the Amphitheatre.
After a brief loop through the hinterland of Chieti, the route reaches the Adriatic coast at Montesilvano, where the long northward stretch begins, passing through well-known seaside resorts such as Silvi Marina, Roseto degli Abruzzi, and Alba Adriatica. A stop is a must in lively and vibrant San Benedetto del Tronto, also notable for its unique Sea Museum located near the harbor. Due to its size and variety, it is considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind, spread across several sections including the Antiquarium Truentinum, the Amphora Museum, the Augusto Capriotti Fish Museum, and the Museum of Maritime Civilization of the Marche.
Fermo
The route continues along the coast to Grottammare and Cupra Marittima, before turning inland into the Marche region, known worldwide for the excellence of its footwear industry. Here begins a rollercoaster of hills and valleys much feared by the riders, starting with climbs toward Montefiore dell’Aso, Monterubbiano, and a first passage through Fermo. But it’s not over yet. After one last approach toward the Adriatic, the riders must tackle the steep wall of Capodarco and a demanding climb that leads back to Fermo, where the stage finish is set.
A visit to the Roman Cisterns, dating back to the time of Augustus (1st century AD) and composed of thirty interconnected rooms, is one of the must-see highlights of the city. At its heart lies Piazza del Popolo, an elegant Renaissance square surrounded by arcades and overlooked by historic buildings such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo Apostolico. At the highest point of the city stands Parco del Girfalco, a green area home to the Cathedral of Fermo, rebuilt in the 13th century on earlier structures and characterized by a rich architectural layering.
