- Stroll Down the Ancient, cobbled Lanes of penne
- enjoy a Cappuccino in the Piazza San Luca
Penne is a beautiful, medieval Italian town in the heart of the Abruzzo region, which is an area famous for its national parks, stunning mountains, and hearty food and wines, including the delicious lamb dish Arrosticini, Pecorino cheese, and the famous Montepulicano d'Abruzzo wines.
Penne is, in many respects, a modern town, with new apartment blocks and many fine villas nestling in a countryside of extraordinary beauty. It has good road links and transport services to the beach resort city of Pescara which is situated on the Adriatic coast. It has all the amenities expected of a modern town, such as a variety of supermarkets, libraries, schools, doctors and pharmacies, and an assortment of authentic Italian bars, cafes and restaurants which are mostly situated in the charming historic centre.
The town was built in its entirety from Roman-style bricks (typically longer and flatter than 'modern' bricks), on the top of four hills. Known as one of the most beautiful destinations of the Pescara province, the town is highly regarded and sought after due to the lovely terracotta colour of the striking bricks. The town centre is well preserved, with a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and steep alleys that are surrounded by 15th-century walls.
Penne is called 'Citta d'Arte' (City of Art) and is a thriving commercial and crafts centre. It is the home of Brioni, an Italian high-end fashion house that specialises in handmade suits. There are also a variety of interesting local tours to chose from in and around Penne that involving both art and history.
The town has managed to preserve its original character and charm over the last few centuries, and thanks to its unique location, Penne is an ideal holiday destination for all seasons, offering an abundance of choice for recreational activities. A thirty-five minute drive and you can be hiking in the Gran Sasso mountains. Equally, enjoy a swim in the sea and a walk along the beautiful, 170-km blue flag sandy beaches of the tranquil Adriatic coast.
Penne is, in many respects, a modern town, with new apartment blocks and many fine villas nestling in a countryside of extraordinary beauty. It has good road links and transport services to the beach resort city of Pescara which is situated on the Adriatic coast. It has all the amenities expected of a modern town, such as a variety of supermarkets, libraries, schools, doctors and pharmacies, and an assortment of authentic Italian bars, cafes and restaurants which are mostly situated in the charming historic centre.
The town was built in its entirety from Roman-style bricks (typically longer and flatter than 'modern' bricks), on the top of four hills. Known as one of the most beautiful destinations of the Pescara province, the town is highly regarded and sought after due to the lovely terracotta colour of the striking bricks. The town centre is well preserved, with a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and steep alleys that are surrounded by 15th-century walls.
Penne is called 'Citta d'Arte' (City of Art) and is a thriving commercial and crafts centre. It is the home of Brioni, an Italian high-end fashion house that specialises in handmade suits. There are also a variety of interesting local tours to chose from in and around Penne that involving both art and history.
The town has managed to preserve its original character and charm over the last few centuries, and thanks to its unique location, Penne is an ideal holiday destination for all seasons, offering an abundance of choice for recreational activities. A thirty-five minute drive and you can be hiking in the Gran Sasso mountains. Equally, enjoy a swim in the sea and a walk along the beautiful, 170-km blue flag sandy beaches of the tranquil Adriatic coast.
What to See and Do in Penne
There is plenty to see and do in Penne itself - not only can you enjoy the features of this historic town, but you can also attend the many traditional festivals ranging from the 'gothic' hooded monks at Easter to the Palio in August.
Another popular festival, called the Notti Bianchi (White Night), is held in August, and on this particular night everyone in the town must wear white and stay up until dawn.
The local food is a major part of every event and you can find all sorts of specialities, ranging from a selection of homemade honey to a delicious piece of porchetta.
You may like to take a look at the Church of San Nicola, attached to the tower of the ancient medieval walls, as well as the Romanesque Church of Saint Agostino, which was re-decorated in baroque style.
There are also many fine palaces, such as the Bono-Pilotta with a baroque portal (door) displaying 18th-century frescoes, and the 17th-century Castiglione De Leone, a cathedral that contains precious works of art, including a 15th-century holy water basin, a 12th-century altar, and a crypt dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era.
On Saturdays there is a wonderful weekly market in Penne which is well worth a visit, for the local produce on offer and for the many other special wares, including clothes, jewellery, shoes, perfumes, household goods, and locally made handicrafts. You may also like to book a tour of the local vineyards, surrounding towns and castles, with the local tour agency Wolf Tours
Another popular festival, called the Notti Bianchi (White Night), is held in August, and on this particular night everyone in the town must wear white and stay up until dawn.
The local food is a major part of every event and you can find all sorts of specialities, ranging from a selection of homemade honey to a delicious piece of porchetta.
You may like to take a look at the Church of San Nicola, attached to the tower of the ancient medieval walls, as well as the Romanesque Church of Saint Agostino, which was re-decorated in baroque style.
There are also many fine palaces, such as the Bono-Pilotta with a baroque portal (door) displaying 18th-century frescoes, and the 17th-century Castiglione De Leone, a cathedral that contains precious works of art, including a 15th-century holy water basin, a 12th-century altar, and a crypt dating back to the early centuries of the Christian era.
On Saturdays there is a wonderful weekly market in Penne which is well worth a visit, for the local produce on offer and for the many other special wares, including clothes, jewellery, shoes, perfumes, household goods, and locally made handicrafts. You may also like to book a tour of the local vineyards, surrounding towns and castles, with the local tour agency Wolf Tours
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Penne is full of Fun Festas throughout the entire year that provide a great opportunity to Savour some of the Sumptuous food and wine with the Locals
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The beautiful Surrounding Area of penne
it's Possible to Visit the mountains and sEa all in one day !!
Lago di Penne, Penne Lake
*In the immediate vicinity of Penne lies the beautiful lake Lago di Penne, which can be enjoyed at any time of the day and evening for a pleasant stroll along its shores, or perhaps even for a lakeside picnic.
*Hiking, cycling, horse riding and skiing opportunities are also possible in the many small towns and villages that surround Penne, each offering a unique view of the Gran Sasso mountains and providing many charming settings for both artists and photographers.
*From Penne you can take a trip to the Gran Sasso National Park and visit the famous Monto Della Lago Nature Reserve. Whilst you are there, you can also visit the stunning Campo Imperatore, a mountain grassland or alpine meadow formed by a high basin-shaped plateau located in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region, in the Gran Sasso . It is the largest plateau of the Apennine ridge.
*Hiking, cycling, horse riding and skiing opportunities are also possible in the many small towns and villages that surround Penne, each offering a unique view of the Gran Sasso mountains and providing many charming settings for both artists and photographers.
*From Penne you can take a trip to the Gran Sasso National Park and visit the famous Monto Della Lago Nature Reserve. Whilst you are there, you can also visit the stunning Campo Imperatore, a mountain grassland or alpine meadow formed by a high basin-shaped plateau located in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region, in the Gran Sasso . It is the largest plateau of the Apennine ridge.
Penne is a beautiful hilltop town which is popular with both overseas home buyers and visitors to Abruzzo. It has shops, banks, restaurants, caffès and bars as well as historical buildings. As you stroll around the town you will see fascinating lanes. These are characterised by ancient houses and churches, almost entirely made of bricks, which makes Penne one of the most historically significant towns of the area. It also affords breathtaking views to the mountains.
August is festival time in Penne when the streets are filled with stalls selling arts, crafts and culinary delights. Not to be missed.
Travel Distances
Abruzzo International Airport – 31 km/40 min
Pescara – 33 km/41 min
Adriatic Sea at Montesilvano – 26 km/34 min
Getting To Penne From Rome.
If you are driving to Penne from Rome it will take you approximately three hours.
Exit the A25 motorway at Chieti Scalo, take the second turning on the right, then the first turning left, and finally turn left at the second crossroads. You are now on the main road to Penne - the SS81.
Rome To Penne By Bus
Coaches run directly from Fumicino and Ciampino airports on a daily basis. Please refer to the Prontobus Website.
There is also a local bus service to and from the local villages around Penne
http://www.gtmpescara.it/servizi.php?idcat1=16
Flying To Penne Via Pescara Airport
There are direct flights to Pescara from the UK from Stansted airport with Ryanair.
Depending on the time of year the number of flights varies from four a week between October and January to one a day in the summer. You can book flights here via the Ryanair website
Writing Retreats in Italy has access to an eight seater van and can also arrange a 'Pick up and Drop off' service to the Airport for the small fee of 15 Euros. Please make an enquiry in the comments box on the booking form if you require this service.
August is festival time in Penne when the streets are filled with stalls selling arts, crafts and culinary delights. Not to be missed.
Travel Distances
Abruzzo International Airport – 31 km/40 min
Pescara – 33 km/41 min
Adriatic Sea at Montesilvano – 26 km/34 min
Getting To Penne From Rome.
If you are driving to Penne from Rome it will take you approximately three hours.
Exit the A25 motorway at Chieti Scalo, take the second turning on the right, then the first turning left, and finally turn left at the second crossroads. You are now on the main road to Penne - the SS81.
Rome To Penne By Bus
Coaches run directly from Fumicino and Ciampino airports on a daily basis. Please refer to the Prontobus Website.
There is also a local bus service to and from the local villages around Penne
http://www.gtmpescara.it/servizi.php?idcat1=16
Flying To Penne Via Pescara Airport
There are direct flights to Pescara from the UK from Stansted airport with Ryanair.
Depending on the time of year the number of flights varies from four a week between October and January to one a day in the summer. You can book flights here via the Ryanair website
Writing Retreats in Italy has access to an eight seater van and can also arrange a 'Pick up and Drop off' service to the Airport for the small fee of 15 Euros. Please make an enquiry in the comments box on the booking form if you require this service.