Guardiagrele (Abruzzo)

The old city door "Porta di San Giovanni" at sunset in the medieval town Guardiagrele

Guardiagrele is a town in the province of Chieti, part of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. It is in the foothills of the Maiella mountain at an elevation of around 576 metres (1,890 ft). Captivated by the beauty of the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys of the Maiella visible from some points in the town, the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio nicknamed Guardiagrele 'la terrazza d'Abruzzo ("Abruzzo's terrace"). Guardiagrele is the seat of the Maiella National Park, and was part of the club "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Most beautiful burghs in Italy).

Abruzzo Highlights

Italy in Brief
Rose window of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
L’Aquila in Abruzzo Named Italian Capital of Culture for 2026

The announcement coincides with the forthcoming 15-year anniversary of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the town and surrounding areas in 2009. Mayor Pierluigi Biondi said that the title will aid in rebuilding the social fabric of the community. 

Italy in Brief
Reale
These are the Top 2 Restaurants in Italy, According to Gambero Rosso

Chefs Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana) and Niko Romito (Reale) are tied for the top spot in the new 2024 guide from leading Italian food and wine publisher, Gambero Rosso.

Travel
Sunset view from Al Murè
48 Hours in Provincia di Chieti

With 48 hours to spend in Abruzzo’s most populated province, you can get a taste of village life, relax at the beach, and hike up to a castle in the mountains. Here’s how to do it all.

Partner Content
Casoli greenery
How the Little Town of Casoli Won the Hearts of Rai 3 (and the Rest of Italy)

Casoli’s recent placement in the Borgo dei Borghi contest is big news in this little hilltop town. We sat down with the staff of Palazzo Ricci, a fractional ownership club breathing new life into the borgo, to learn more. 

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This Season, Give a Gift That Lasts Forever With Fractional Ownership of Palazzo Ricci

Straddling mountains and sea, the unique location and history of this 18th-century palace makes it a fractional co-ownership opportunity with a difference. 

What you can't miss in Abruzzo

Where is Guardiagrele

Top Experiences in Abruzzo

Best places to stay in Abruzzo

Properties for sale in Abruzzo

Palazzo Ricci Private Residence Club 11
Fractional ownership in Casoli
89500
Finished, 3 bed, 125sqm town house, amazing views, nicely presented, with garage, in the mountains 0
Town - City Home in Montenerodomo
43000
LOVELY VILLA 0
Detached House in Castel di Ieri
69000
LARGE TOWNHOUSE 0
Semi-detached in Introdacqua
89000
LOVELY APARTMENT 0
Apartment in Raiano
69000
LOVELY VILLA 0
Villa in Corfinio
59000
TOWNHOUSE 0
Apartment in Introdacqua
39000
Exterior
Apartment in Corfinio
45000

Recipes From Abruzzo

Recipes
pasta
Chitarrina or Fedelini with Tuna Ragù

The robustly flavored sauce relies on good pantry ingredients: the best-tinned tuna and anchovies you can procure, excellent capers, and high-quality canned (or home-canned) tomatoes. 
 

Recipes
Sice pizza dolce
Pizza Dolce Teramana: Layer Cake Specialty of Abruzzo

This show-stopper of a cake from Abruzzo has three layers of flavored sponge cake and two layers of rich custard for a decadent dessert.

Recipes
torcelli
Torcetti (or Ciambelline) al Vino: Ring-Shaped Cookies for When Guests Come Calling

These ring-shaped cookies, common in central and southern Italy, are made with olive oil and wine — perfect for setting out on the table with coffee or tea when guests drop by.

 

Recipes
Soffione di Ricotta
Soffione di Ricotta

In Abruzzo, the soffione is a traditional Easter dessert, though its growing popularity means you can now find it year-round in many bakeries throughout the region.

Recipes
saffron sagne e ceci
Sagne e Ceci: Abruzzese Pasta with Chickpeas

Legumes form the base for this Abruzzese country-style soup, a humble but delicious dish that uses not only the chickpeas, but also their cooking liquid, leaving nothing to waste.

more recipes

What others are saying about Abruzzo

@rbaines18 asks:

Ciao tutti,

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@ALIDANDREA asks:

BANK ACCOUNTS … Advice on best and cheapest ( charges) bank accounts for Italy.  Had a BPER account they were charging me €17 every couple of months just to have a debit card 😳.    Also about about saving accounts any thoughts.   Many thanks for any advice 😊👍🏻

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@pd.1965 asks:

Hi Guys,

We are purchasing a house in Abruzzo as a second home with a view we will stay for a month at a time as we would like to drive down from the UK. Calais, Reims, into Switzerland route. We would like to bring our two dogs with us and would welcome any tips. 

Thanks

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