Penne Travel Guide

Welcome to Penne, my second hometown and current residence when I’m in Abruzzo. This enchanting medieval town, perched on a hill overlooking the Vomano valley, has captured my heart so completely that I decided to buy a house here. Every cobblestone street and ancient building tells a story, and I’m excited to share with you the Penne I’ve come to know and love as a resident.

Fast Facts About Penne

• Location: Province of Pescara, Abruzzo, about 35 km from the Adriatic coast
• Population: Approximately 12,000
• Known for: Medieval architecture, textile industry, and as one of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy)
• Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October)

Things To See And Do in Penne

Let me guide you through my favorite spots in my adopted town:

• Explore the Historic Center: I never tire of wandering these narrow medieval streets. Each time, I discover something new – a hidden courtyard, a centuries-old doorway, or a breathtaking view of the countryside.
• Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria degli Angeli: This stunning 12th-century cathedral is where I often find peace and quiet. The blend of Romanesque and Gothic elements never fails to impress me.
• Discover the Museo Civico Diocesano: I love bringing visitors here. The collection of religious artifacts and paintings tells the rich history of Penne and the surrounding area.
• Walk Along the Ancient Walls: This is my favorite spot for an evening stroll. The views of the surrounding valleys are spectacular, especially at sunset.
• Visit the Church of Santa Chiara: This baroque church is a hidden gem. I stumbled upon it during my first week in Penne and was amazed by its ornate interior.
• Explore the Riserva Naturale Regionale Lago di Penne: Just outside town, this nature reserve is where I go for weekend hikes. The lake and surrounding forests are beautiful in any season.
• Experience a Local Festival: If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of our festivals, you’re in for a treat. The Palio dei Quartieri in August is my favorite – the whole town comes alive with historical reenactments and friendly competitions.

Where to Stay in Penne

While Penne is small, it offers a range of accommodation options. I am currently reviewing this section and will update it soon. Bear with me.

Local Cuisine and Dining

Penne’s cuisine is a delightful representation of Abruzzo’s rich culinary traditions. Here are some local specialties I’ve come to love:

• Maccheroni alla chitarra: Square spaghetti made with a special tool called a chitarra. I’ve tried making this at home, but it never tastes quite as good as in the local restaurants!
• Agnello cacio e ovo: A traditional lamb dish with cheese and egg. Perfect for cooler evenings.
• Pecorino di Farindola: A unique sheep’s milk cheese produced in the nearby village of Farindola. I always have some in my fridge.

Recommended restaurants

• Da Stefano is my favourite place in the world to eat arrosticini. Pizza is also good, but arrosticini are from another world.
• L’Osteria del Leone, for a bit more sophisticated experience. Traditional food, local ingredients. Great wines.
• Pizzeria e Braceria Ex Officine is another restaurant where I go whenever I am in Penne.
• Pizzonta is a different way to eat pizza.

Typical costs for meals: €15-25 for a mid-range restaurant. For a more upscale dining experience, budget about €40-50 per person.

Getting Around Penne

• Reaching Penne requires a bit of planning. The nearest airport is Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, about 40km away. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Penne.
• Once you’re here, the town is small enough to explore on foot. In fact, walking is the best way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden corners. For exploring the surrounding area:
• Buses: There are local buses connecting Penne to nearby towns and villages. The schedule can be a bit tricky, so I always double-check times.
• Car: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the beautiful Abruzzo countryside. Just be prepared for some narrow, winding roads!

When to Visit Penne

In my experience, the best times to visit are late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities.

• Summer (July-August): It can get quite hot, but this is when most festivals take place. The atmosphere is lively and fun.
• Winter (December-February): Cold but charming, especially around Christmas. The town looks magical under a light dusting of snow.
• Spring/Fall: Ideal for sightseeing and hiking in the nearby nature reserve.

What to Pack for Penne

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the hilly town
• A light jacket for evenings, even in summer
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for summer visits
• A good camera to capture the beautiful views and architecture
• A reusable water bottle – our tap water is excellent!

Penne Travel Tips

• Many shops and restaurants close for a long lunch break (typically 1-4 PM). Plan your day accordingly.
• Learn a few basic Italian phrases – in small towns like Penne, English isn’t as widely spoken as in big cities.
• Respect siesta time – avoid making too much noise in residential areas in the early afternoon.
• Try the local wines, especially Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. I’ve become quite the wine enthusiast since moving here!
• Take time to sit in a piazza and people-watch – it’s a great way to experience local life.

Nearby Attractions

• Atri: A beautiful town known for its cathedral and licorice production, about 30 minutes away.
• Loreto Aprutino: Famous for its olive oil and ceramics, just 15 minutes from Penne.
• Gran Sasso National Park: About an hour’s drive, offering stunning mountain scenery and hiking trails.
• Pescara: If you’re craving some beach time, the Adriatic coast is only 40 minutes away.

Useful Resources

• Penne Tourism Website: www.comune.penne.pe.it
• Abruzzo Tourism: www.abruzzoturismo.it
• Local Bus Information: www.tuabruzzo.it

Penne has become more than just a place I live – it’s truly become my home. The warmth of the people, the richness of the history, and the beauty of the surroundings continue to captivate me every day.

What I love most about Penne is its authenticity. This isn’t a town that puts on a show for tourists – it’s a living, breathing community where centuries-old traditions are still a part of daily life. From the local artisans practicing traditional crafts to the farmers bringing their produce to the weekly market, Penne offers a glimpse into a way of life that’s increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.

Living here has taught me to slow down and appreciate the small things – the perfect espresso at my local bar, the friendly greetings from neighbors as I walk to the market, the breathtaking view of the Gran Sasso mountains on a clear day.

Whether you’re here for a day or a week, I encourage you to take the time to really experience Penne. Wander the narrow streets without a particular destination in mind, strike up a conversation with a local shopkeeper, or simply sit in a piazza and watch the world go by. Penne has a way of making you forget about time, of helping you rediscover the joy in simple pleasures.

This town may not have the famous landmarks of Rome or Florence, but it offers something equally valuable – a chance to experience authentic Italian life in all its beauty and complexity. It’s a little piece of Abruzzo magic that I’m privileged to call home, and that I’m always thrilled to share with visitors.