Pescara (Pescara) - a provincial town, lying 155 km from Rome on the opposite side of the "Italian boot" - the Adriatic coast. This city has become a transportation hub, the gateway to the Abruzzo region. Pescara International Airport (Aeroporto Internazionale d'Abruzzo), the railway station (Stazione Pescara Centrale) and the bus station connect the region with the major communication points of Europe, Italy, as well as with the small communes of the Pescara province itself.
In the summer season, from here you can reach the Croatian resorts of Split and Hvar by sea. Therefore, many arrive in the city of Pescara in transit. But those who stay here for a couple of days, or choose this place for a long rest, will not remain disappointed:
- 20 km of golden sandy coast provide an excellent opportunity for a beach holiday;
- The sights of the city itself and the surrounding area will reveal many interesting features of Italy;
- Numerous outlets have turned Pescara into a favorite place for shopping tourism.
City `s history
In ancient times, the city bore the name of the river on which Aterno was located. It was a transshipment trading port between the Western and Eastern parts of the Roman Empire. After its fall in the V century. n e. the main occupation of the inhabitants was fishing, from the XII century. the settlement was renamed Piskaria (from it. Pesce - fish). The entire coast has turned into a "country of trabocchi." So called fishing devices in the form of thin-legged spider bridges, which are far from the sea. In the past they served as a place for fishing huts and throwing nets into the sea, and now they are a characteristic feature of the landscape of the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo.
The Middle Ages was not an easy period in the life of the city: barbarians, Normans, Saracens, Neapolitan and Spanish rulers, and Venetian merchants sought to seize it. In modern times, it was a stone of discord between Naples and Austria, and at the end of the XVIII century. was captured by Napoleonic troops.
In 1807, the French divided the city into two parts. The historical part remained on the south bank of the Pescara River, and the new city of Castellammare was rebuilt by the French in the north. At this time, the railway station was built, and then the runway for fighters - the beginning of the current airport. In 1927, the city reunited, and during the Second World War it was badly destroyed by bombing.
Today, the population of Pescara with suburban residents totals 350 thousand people. Built in 1988, the new railway station impresses with its size and is one of the most modern railway stations in Europe. Together with that, Pescara remains a major resort center where you can relax on the seashore.
- We recommend reading about Italy trains
Beach vacation
The comfort of a beach holiday depends largely on the weather and climate of the resort.
Weather features
The climate on the Adriatic coast in the Abruzzo region is Mediterranean: hot summers, warm winters, little rainfall. But the weather in the resort of Pescara is not so much the temperature regime as the winds: coastal and sea breezes, hairdryers. All day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. a cool, humid wind blows from the sea, preventing the heat from rising above 35 °. But from the peaks of Maella (Maiella) and Gran Sasso hair dryer can quickly break loose - dry hot wind from the coast of Africa. At a speed of 100 km / h, it bursts on the coast, causing dryness and abnormally high heat. So the resort is always windy and the air temperature can change every hour.
Swimming seasons
At the end of May, the air temperature warms up to + 21 ° - + 24 °, and the water in the sea - up to + 20 °. Conditions for tanning are quite comfortable, but not many dare to swim in the sea. Back in mid-June it can be pretty cool.
In July-September, the high season begins, the water in the sea is warm + 26 °, air temperature + 25 ° - + 30 °, all the beaches and hotels of the resort are open.
Views of the beaches
The sandy beaches of Pescara stretch for two dozen kilometers; seawater is clear and clean, gently shelving, which is convenient for swimming with children. But a free approach to water is not available everywhere.
Public beach
Corso Umberto I Street from the city center leads to a free public beach, only here free access to the seashore is allowed. The coast is 80 m wide and 100 m long. The entire beach service is a tap for drinking water. Grayish sand with fragments of shells can injure your legs, and the beach also has a lot of garbage.
Hotel owned beaches
Hotels located along the coast to the north and south of the public beach have their own landscaped areas, the use of which is included in the price. At registration, the client is given a beachfront number with the right to use a sunbed and deck chair. To the north along Viale della Riviera, such beaches have the hotels Maja, Carlton, Regent; to the south, along Viale Primo Vere - guest house Appartamento Pescara Fronte Mare, etc.
Private beaches
The sea coast of Pescara is in municipal ownership, which is rented by the inhabitants of the city and created there private beaches - beach clubs. Their territory is carefully fenced, you can go to the coast by paying an entrance fee (up to 20 €). The beach clubs have all the beach infrastructure, water equipment rental, plus a cafe or pizzeria. A network of private beaches stretches north to Montesilvano, south to Francavilla al Mare in the province of Chieti.
Sights
Two world wars destroyed most of the cultural monuments of the city. The main attractions are in the flat part: in the historical center, on the promenade, in the old Caserma district. Hills residential areas built after the war.
Corso Umberto I - tourist street
Corso Umberto I is the main street of historic Pescara. It starts from the central railway station and leads to the seafront promenade Lungomare Giacomo Mateotti. A pedestrian zone with hotels, cafes, restaurants, many shops is a good place for walking and relaxing time. Not far from the station is the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Parrocchia 'Sacratissimo Cuore di Gesu'. The time of its creation is the end of the XIX century. Built in the neo-Gothic style, the temple embodied an attempt to create a "second Paris" on the seashore.
Caserma - historical area
Caserma is the only ancient region that survived after the bombing of Pescara in 1943-1944. Here you can see several monuments.
Cathedral - Cattedrale di San Cetteo
Cathedral of St. Cetteo, the patron saint of the city, built in the XX century. with the participation of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, a native of Pescara and is located next to his native home. The building was erected with elements typical of the Abruzzo Romanesque style. The temple has three chapels, in one of which is the chapel of St. Cetteo, in another - the marble tomb of the mother of the poet G. d'Annunzio. At masses, organ music sounds here.
Museo Casa Natale di Gabriele d'Annunzio
Museum of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, who restored his native home in memory of his mother. In 1963, a museum was opened here with exhibits about the life and work of the poet himself. The atmosphere of the late XIX-early XX centuries was reproduced, the furniture of that time was preserved. Reasonable price and noble atmosphere attract visitors here.
Museo delle genti d'abruzzo
The small museum Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo reveals the details of life, activities, customs of the inhabitants of the Abruzzo region. The expositions are located in the building of the XVI century prison, which was later popularly called the "Bourbon Bath". During the flood during the reign of the French in Pescara, all prisoners died here.
Quays
Lungomare giacomo mateotti
Lungomare Giacomo Mateotti is the city's central promenade.
At the very beginning there is a strange construction-monument "Cascella Ship". It is made in an abstract style and represents the prisoners-rowers in a fishing boat. In the middle of the XIX century. it was a custom in the city to use prisoners at a local prison as rowers.
At the mouth of the river. Pescara, at the end of the promenade is the original Ponte del Mare bridge, which many tourists consider the resort's most interesting attraction. Curving over the river, it bifurcates into pedestrian and bicycle parts and opens a wonderful panorama of the city.
Lungomare colombo
Lungomare Colombo is the southern promenade that leads to the Pineta d'Avalos grove. Among the pines are villas and cottages in the liberty style (Italian Art Nouveau). The most famous of them is Aurum, a horseshoe-shaped building. Aurum is the name of a brandy infused with orange peels; for a long time it was produced within the walls of this building.
Ancient churches
Locally revered churches are located away from tourist routes.
Basilica of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows was built in the 17th century at the site of the appearance to the peasants of the image of the Virgin with the body of Christ in her arms and seven swords piercing the chest. The scene of the Descent from the Cross was captured on stone. A basilica appeared on this place, every year on June 1, believers from all over the region gather here to honor the miraculous image.
Madonna of Fire
The statue of the Madonna of Fire (Madonna Del Fuoco) is located in a mountain church, where there used to be a temple to the guardian of the sacrificial fire of Vesta. The development of Christianity turned the pagan goddess into the Fiery Madonna.
Church of St. Sylvester
Church of St. Sylvester (Chiesa di San Silvestro) is located in the hilly part of the city. In difficult times, it served as a refuge for residents from fire, floods, and attacks of enemies.
Local holidays
Fisherman's day
Festa di Sant'Andrea - the feast of St. Andrew, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen is traditionally held in late July. The procession with a statue from the church is led by Bishop Pescara. On an admiral’s boat, the procession continues at sea, where they honor the memory of all the dead. Tasting dishes and wines, fireworks complete the celebration.
Jazz festival
Pescara Jazz - An annual international jazz festival held in Pescara for nearly 50 years. He has great authority in Europe and the world. In July, jazz lovers come here to perform on the stage of the Gabriele d'Annunzio Theater.
Sulmon Knight Tournament
Sulmona (Sulmona) - a town hidden in the mountains. Known as the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, the aqueduct of that time has been preserved. It is also the capital of wedding sweets that are famous throughout Italy: confetti di Sulmona. Dragee sweets are made in the form of flowers and other interesting shapes. In late July - early August, a traditional jousting tournament is held here: La Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona. Knights in armor throughout the gallop must hit the target with a spear. After the races - a costume parade, festivities.
Shopping
Not only foreigners go shopping in Pescara, but also Italians themselves. From January 1 to March 5 - the time of winter sales; from July 1 to August 30 - summer.
Outlet Città Sant'Angelo Village
Outlet Citta Sant'Angelo - turned into a real Mecca for shopping tourists. Located 10 km from the historical places of Pescara, there are regular buses, taxi drivers know it well, Città Sant'Angelo Village offers 4 thousand free parking lots for those traveling on its car.
There is everything from everywhere: clothes, cosmetics, accessories, household appliances, electronics from almost all Italian world brands. About a hundred retail outlets, cafes, a playground are at the service of customers. Opening hours:
- September - June: from 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays; until 21.00 - on weekends.
- June 15 - August 17 the center is open until 22.00.
Address: Via Moscarola 65013 CITTÁ SANT'ANGELO (PE)
Outlet of Max Mara
The center is located in the suburbs of Pescara - Montesilvano. Brand items are sold here not with company labels, but with Diffusione Tessile tags. Like many stores in Italy, Max Mara outlet works with a break for a siesta: from 13:00 to 15.30. Opening hours: 9.30 - 20.00. Address: Corso Umberto 434, Montesilvano (Pescara).
Shopping streets
Two walking tourist areas of the resort: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Umberto I - a place where a large number of boutiques and small outlets are concentrated. The choice in them is smaller than in large centers, the prices are higher, but for those who are not ill with shopping they will be interesting.
Hotels
4 stars
These hotels include a fee for their beach.
Hotel Carlton
Hotel Carlton is a stone's throw from the beach and within walking distance to all of Pescara's attractions. It offers a rich breakfast, has a restaurant.
B&B and apartments
Villa l'aurora
Villa L'Aurora is located on the seafront, within walking distance to the beach. It offers in-room shower rooms, a kettle, and bicycle rental. In the mornings - a buffet.
Pescara center apartment
Pescara Center Apartment is located very close to the shore, the rooms have air conditioning, shower. Free WiFi is available throughout the house.
How to get there
Pescara from major cities in Italy can be reached by train or bus. There are no high-speed trains in this direction, so a trip from Rome, for example, will take up to 4 hours. Trenitalia provides children up to 12 years old with a 50% discount. An adult ticket from Rome to Pescara will cost 13 € -15 €.
Various companies make bus flights in this direction:
- Regional company ARPA, provides discounts, which can be found here: www.arpaonline.it;
- FlixBus buses are the most economical option;
- Difebo Capuani;
- Prontobus is the most expensive travel option.
Car rental can be arranged on the website auto.italy4.me.
Tickets for local buses cost 1.1-1.3 €, bought in vending machines at bus stops or at newsstands selling kiosks. The ticket is valid for 1.5 hours from the date of sale. Locals are reluctant to speak English, but "one bus ticket" is understood by all sellers.
Those traveling through Italy will linger in Pescara, and there will be no regrets about the time spent here.
