Unveiling Ortona: Main attractions and hidden gems in Chieti

Ortona is the seaside resort of Abruzzo, located a few kilometers from Chieti, whose coasts have for many years boasted the symbol of the Blue Flag. Ortona is a port city overlooking the Adriatic Sea, which has seen the domination and passage of various civilizations, from the Byzantines to the Goths, up to the Normans who burned it down. After a quiet period in which the town of Ortona rose from the ashes, the bombardments of the Second World War hit the town so hard that Churchill called it "the Stalingrad of Italy" because it was the scene of numerous bombings.

Today Ortona is one of the most visited seaside resorts in Abruzzo, with the Costa dei Trabocchi and the Abruzzo Adriatic coast as the backdrop to a truly amazing town whose coastline inspired the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. A visit to Ortona is a unique experience that will allow you to taste delicious wines from the vineyards surrounding the town.

What to see in Ortona

The Aragonese Castle is undoubtedly the most important place to visit in Ortona. Built by Ferdinand of Aragon on a promontory overlooking the sea, it has a peculiar trapezoidal shape with four cylindrical corner towers. The upper part of the castle was destroyed during the Battle of Ortona in 1943, but today it has been completely restored and is the symbol of Ortona. The castle can be visited and from the eastern tower, it is possible to enjoy an incomparable panorama.

The historical center of Ortona is really beautiful. You can find stately palaces and squares, as well as wonderful religious works. The Cathedral of St. Thomas the Apostle is truly wonderful, with a longitudinal layout, and is the cathedral where the patron saint of the city is celebrated every year. The Farnese Palace, on the other hand, is the most important historical building in Ortona: built in the sixteenth century by Margherita of Austria, the architectural project is due to Giacomo dalla Porta. The palace was sold to the Berardi family, but it is not the only noble palace in Ortona, which also includes Palazzo De Benedictis, where Gabriele D'Annunzio's mother was born, and Palazzo Mancini, where Margherita of Austria died.

The most beautiful promenade in Ortona is the eastern one, which offers a splendid view of the sea and the port. While the oldest area of Ortona is the medieval quarter of Terravecchia. The coast of Ortona extends for 20 km and it is possible to choose between equipped bathing establishments and free beaches, including the beautiful beach of Punta Ferruccio and the beach of Lido Saraceni. Finally, do not miss Punta d'Acquabella, a beach of sand and pebbles. The Costa dei Trabocchi offers the possibility of finding the most famous coves, such as Calata Turchino.