Sulmona
Sulmona, in the province of L’Aquila, is a refined, cultured, romantic, and lively city, right in the heart of Abruzzo, in a valley enclosed by imposing mountains.
Sulmona offers many architectural treasures: the Church of Santa Maria della Tomba, the Cathedral of San Panfilo with its crypt, the Church and Palace of SS. Annunziata, San Francesco della Scarpa and its beautiful Rotunda, the Fontana del Vecchio (“fountain of the old man”), the Fountain of Sant’Agata, Japasseri Foutain, Porta Napoli, Tabassi Palace and the other noble palaces.
The medieval aqueduct is splendid: its pointed arches overlook the grand Piazza Maggiore like white stone lace. Piazza XX Settembre is also admirable with its historic cafes and the statue of a thoughtful Ovid, who was born here.
A stroll along the main street and in the alleys provokes the feeling of a dip into history, with colorful, fragrant shops selling sugared almonds and tempting typical foods.
The green spaces such as the Villa Comunale and the luxurious Fluviale Park are also lovely. Do not miss the evocative Easter traditions in Sulmona and the summer events with the jousting knights.
Mount Morrone, with its hermitages, the archeological site of the Temple of Hercules (Tempio di Ercole Curino) and the majestic Abbey of Santo Spirito, watches over the city. It has legends to tell visitors, like those of Ovid and Celestine V.
(Translated by Paula Qefaliaj with Pallavi Kurakula)