If you have been imagining and planning a relaxing Italian holiday for ages but still aren't sure where to visit, might we suggest the city of Chieti, capital of the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. Find a holiday rental in Chieti and see everything that this little gem of a city has to offer. You want to experience the food, the wine, the scenery, climate and culture of Italy but, perhaps, you don't want to deal with crowds of tourists clamouring to take the same photo that is on countless phones and computers and in albums across the world. You don't want to rush from place to place. You want something a little more authentic. Chieti, then, really is the perfect place for you.
A beautiful hilltop town, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, which is one of the oldest towns in the country and with a relatively small population it is historic, cultured, calm and lovely.
Chieti is located just a little inland from the Adriatic with views of the waters visible to the east and the Majella mountain range clearly visible to the west.
Chieti is located just a little inland from the Adriatic with views of the waters visible to the east and the Majella mountain range clearly visible to the west.
While the economy of the town is traditionally based in agriculture – particularly in vineyards and olive groves – it also has a rich heritage of handicrafts of artistic lace and beautiful ceramics which can be purchased and enjoyed during a visit to the city. The origins of the city go back to 1181BC when Homeric legend tells us that it was founded by the Greek hero Achilles, in honour of his mother. The Greek historian, Strabo, however, states that it was founded by the Arcadians. Either way, its origins stretch far back in history. During the Norman period and 17th century it flourished economically, politically and culturally but disasters have plagued the city's history, diminishing its population repeatedly. However, during WWII it was declared an Open City and was, thankfully, saved from destruction by air-raids.
Chieti has a particularly rich architectural heritage due to this protection. The Cathedral of San Giustino, is particularly beautiful. Its bell tower lends the church a mighty profile against a blanket of azure blue during the day and it immediately impresses upon entering the city. It dates back to around 1069 and is filled with beautiful wooden furniture, frescoes and paintings, and a marble altar. The Pinacoteca C. Barbella is a wonderful art museum in the town which features many Abruzzese artists. There are also multiple sites of ancient ruins in the area as well as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the richest archeological museum in the region.
With such a variety of things to do in such a lovely setting yet far from the more hectic and well-worn tourist routes, it's the perfect part of Abruzzo to visit.
Chieti has a particularly rich architectural heritage due to this protection. The Cathedral of San Giustino, is particularly beautiful. Its bell tower lends the church a mighty profile against a blanket of azure blue during the day and it immediately impresses upon entering the city. It dates back to around 1069 and is filled with beautiful wooden furniture, frescoes and paintings, and a marble altar. The Pinacoteca C. Barbella is a wonderful art museum in the town which features many Abruzzese artists. There are also multiple sites of ancient ruins in the area as well as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, the richest archeological museum in the region.
With such a variety of things to do in such a lovely setting yet far from the more hectic and well-worn tourist routes, it's the perfect part of Abruzzo to visit.
Photo credits
picture 1: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Ra Boe / CC BY-SA 3.0
