Chieti
Overview
Set on a hilly ridge in Abruzzo, between the Pescara and Aterno valleys, Chieti is one of the oldest cities in the region. Its origins date back to the Italic settlement of the Marrucini, known in Roman times as Teate Marrucinorum, of which significant archaeological remains are still visible today. The historic centre occupies an elevated position and features a layered urban fabric that includes medieval, Renaissance and 19th-century buildings, as well as the Cathedral of San Giustino. Today, Chieti is an important administrative and cultural centre, home to a university and a key reference point for the Teatino area.
Gastronomy
Chieti’s culinary tradition is firmly rooted in Abruzzo’s cuisine, known for its simplicity and bold, authentic flavours. Among its most iconic specialties are arrosticini—skewers of grilled lamb that embody the region’s pastoral heritage—and pasta alla chitarra, a distinctive local pasta. Also widely enjoyed are scrippelle and timballo, dishes closely tied to home cooking and festive occasions. Traditional recipes such as pallotte cacio e ova, made with cheese and eggs, and rustic classics like sagne e fagioli reflect the region’s resourceful culinary roots. Local products like ventricina and Abruzzese porchetta further define the territory, while the dessert tradition is represented by parrozzo and ferratelle, beloved sweets found throughout the region.
Wine and other drinks
The Chieti area is an integral part of Abruzzo’s renowned winemaking tradition. Among its most representative wines is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, alongside Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. White varieties such as Pecorino and Passerina also play an important role in the region’s production. Beyond wine, local tradition includes a range of distinctive liqueurs, such as Centerba, genziana, and amaro d’Abruzzo, as well as ratafià. Also widely enjoyed is vino cotto, a product that reflects the long-standing tradition of transforming and preserving grape must.
Highlights & Landmarks
Chieti’s heritage reflects its ancient origins and its historic role as the centre of ancient Teate. Among its key landmarks is the Cathedral of San Giustino, the city’s main church, notable for its remarkable medieval crypt. Of great importance is the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo – Villa Frigerj, home to the famous Warrior of Capestrano, one of the region’s most significant archaeological finds. The city preserves numerous traces of its Roman past, including the Roman Temples and the Amphitheatre, which bear witness to the ancient settlement.
The Marrucino Theatre stands as the city’s principal cultural venue and a symbol of its artistic life, while the urban fabric unfolds along Corso Marrucino, the main street lined with historic buildings and landmarks. Cultural spaces such as Palazzo de’ Mayo, hosting exhibitions and events, and the University Museum, with its scientific and natural history collections, enrich the city’s offering. Completing the picture are the Church of San Francesco al Corso and the panoramic viewpoints of the Belvedere and the Villa Comunale, opening out to sweeping views of the Majella mountains.
Fermo
Overview
Fermo is a city in the Marche region and the capital of the province of the same name, overlooking the coastal area between the Adriatic Sea and the rolling inland hills. The historic centre, perched on the Girfalco hill, preserves a richly stratified heritage. At its highest point stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, in an area marked by significant remains dating from Roman times to the early Middle Ages. In the heart of the city lies Piazza del Popolo, dominated by the Palazzo dei Priori, the city’s historic civic building.
Gastronomy
Fermo’s culinary tradition fully reflects the richness of Marche cuisine, with dishes deeply connected to the local territory. Among the most iconic are vincisgrassi, a baked pasta similar to lasagna but distinguished by its unique ragù and béchamel, alongside maccheroncini di Campofilone, an exceptionally fine egg pasta. Rural heritage lives on in humble yet authentic dishes like frascarelli, made simply with flour and water. Local specialties also include ciauscolo IGP, a soft, spreadable cured meat with a distinctive flavour. On the sweet side, traditions are expressed through frustingo, a dense dessert made with dried figs and fruit, as well as more unusual treats like fried tagliatelle—rich, indulgent, and unmistakably tied to the local culinary identity.
Wine and other drinks
The Fermo area is part of the broader winemaking tradition of the Marche, known for its remarkable diversity. Among the whites, Pecorino stands out for its savoury, mineral character, alongside Passerina, fresh and floral, and Verdicchio, prized for its elegance and ageing potential. Red wines include Rosso Piceno and Rosso Conero, both structured and intense, as well as Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, renowned for its distinctive floral aromas. Alongside these wines, traditional products such as vino cotto, an ancient fortified-style wine, and anise-based spirits like Mistrà and Varnelli further express the region’s rich and enduring identity.
Highlights & Landmarks
Fermo’s heritage stands out for its rich history and beautifully preserved urban fabric. At the heart of the city lies Piazza del Popolo, an elegant Renaissance square framed by arcades and overlooked by historic buildings such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzo Apostolico. The Palazzo dei Priori is one of the city’s main cultural hubs, home to prestigious halls and the art gallery, including the renowned Sala del Mappamondo.
At the highest point of the city stretches the Girfalco Park, a green space that hosts the Cathedral of Fermo, rebuilt in the 13th century on earlier foundations and marked by a striking architectural layering. Among the most remarkable sites are also the Roman Cisterns, an extensive network of vaulted chambers and among the largest structures of their kind. Cultural life is further enriched by the Teatro dell’Aquila, one of the most important theatres in the Marche, while Villa Vitali offers a historic residence surrounded by gardens and spaces for cultural events. In the surrounding area, the village of Torre di Palme overlooks the sea, admired for its historic layout and panoramic views. Completing the picture are the Romolo Spezioli Civic Library, a long-established cultural institution, and the city’s urban spaces, which together reflect Fermo’s enduring role as a cultural and scenic landmark within the Marche region.
