Abruzzo has maintained the unique unblemished Italian lifestyle for centuries. From the beech wood forests with marauding bears and wolves to pathways that have survived the torments of centuries, Abruzzo still features colorfully adorned shepherds with their flocks as well as monstrous castles dotting the vastness of wilderness.
Geographically, Abruzzo is found in southern Italy and it is historically associated with the Kingdom of the two Sicilies. Lying in the center of the Italian peninsula, it faces the Adriatic Sea on its eastern borders while the Apennines border it to the west. This region is highly mountainous with the San Sasso and Corno Grande being two of the mountains having high peaks.
The region currently referred to as ‘Abruzzo’ was once called Picenum, Flamina et Picenum or Sabina et Samnium at different times in history. However, it is believed that the name ‘Abruzzo’ may have originated from a corruption of the Latin name ‘Aprutium’ which basically means ‘a land of boars’. Before 1963, Abruzzo was part of Abruzzi. During this time, Abruzzi was a constituent territory under the Kingdom of Two Sicilies where it was referred to as Abruzzo Ulteriore I and II and Abruzzo Citeriore. Currently, Abruzzo Ulteriore is the Province of L’Aquila.
Even though many Italians regard Abruzzo as a remote wilderness with numerous mountainous ranges, this region has some vast beaches along its eastern border. These beaches extend from the south of Pescara to the Adriatic North, directly into the infamous Abruzzo mountains. This is one region that provides all the ingredients for a true adventurer: frightening yet thrilling at the same time. A tour of Abruzzo is incomplete without a foray into the Abruzzo National Park and the New Maiella National Park.