The best walks and hikes around Elice

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (the Duomo of Atri) is one of the most important and impressive religious monuments in the Abruzzo region. This co-cathedral was built between 1260 and 1305 on the foundations of an older Romanesque church and even older Roman baths. Open daily in the morning from 09:00 - 12:30

De Porta San Francesco is the most monumental and iconic city gate of the historic town of Penne, located on four hills. The gate forms the main entrance to the medieval center and is a striking example of local architecture. The gate owes its name to Francis of Assisi, who according to legend visited Penne on September 16, 1216. He came to the city at the time to establish peace between two violent, rival family clans. In memory of this historic visit, the original medieval city gate was later named after him. Although the origin of the gate is medieval, its current baroque appearance dates from 1780 (with later adjustments around 1870). The gate, to be renovated, came from the drawing board of architect Francesco Di Sio and was completely rebuilt, along with the adjacent buildings. Since then, they have formed a monumental, stylish entrance to 'the city of brick'. Bonus: if you stand in front of the gate and look closely, you will see the patron saint of Penne, San Massimo, at the top of the gate.

In the gallery, at the church entrance, the local war victims are commemorated. A beautiful stone with the names of all the fallen heroes will never be forgotten. We Will Remember Them

Chiesa di Sant'Agnese is the spiritual heart of Pineto. Where once there was only a small private chapel of the Filiani family, this beautiful Neo-Romanesque church arose in the 1930s, along with the growth of the young seaside resort. Feel free to step inside to experience the serene atmosphere or admire the elegant facade with the Latin inscription that was only added in 1991. A nice stop for those who also want to discover the history and character of Pineto.

The artwork you can admire here depicts the lighting of the 'Faugni' fire by a community of anthropomorphic figures. These are based on animals typical of the Abruzzo region. The costumes feature textures inspired by the culture and art of Atri, particularly the frescoes by De Litio in the cathedral of Atri. Source: information can be read on site.

San Nicola is one of the oldest churches in Atri and dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you can admire a beautiful 15th-century fresco by Andrea de Litio above the baptismal font. Outside, be sure to notice the colourful ceramic tiles from Castelli above the rose window – a typical and unique detail of Atri's architecture. Source: https://www.comune.atri.te.it/it/vivere/la-chiesa-di-s-nicola

Who was Francesco Martella? Martella was born on January 21, 1898, in Atri as a craftsman shoemaker. : Due to his anti-fascist ideas, he fled to France, where he joined the resistance movement Giustizia e Libertà. In 1936, he fought as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War against fascism. : After his arrest by the French Vichy regime, he was extradited to Italy and exiled to the prison island of Ventotene. After the Italian armistice in September 1943, he immediately joined the armed resistance (i partigiani). : On November 17, 1943, Martella was brutally murdered in his hometown of Atri by Nazi fascists. About the monument: The memorial is a three-meter-high bronze statue symbolizing the fight against oppression. The artwork was designed and created by the artist Ireneo Janni, originally from Atri. The monument was unveiled in 1983, exactly 40 years after Martella's murder.

The Church of Santo Spirito in Atri, located on the edge of the historic center near the old city fortress Rocca di Capo d'Atri, is a hidden gem. Locals know the building better as the Santuario di Santa Rita. It is one of the most important spiritual and devotional centers in the region. The church's origins date back to the 12th or 13th century. In the early period, nuns from Santa Maria Maddalena and monks from various orders (including Franciscans and Augustinians) served there successively. In the 17th century, the complex was transferred to Augustinian nuns. They introduced the fervent devotion to Santa Rita of Cascia (the saint of impossible causes), which forever changed the church's identity. Its current appearance is the result of a major renovation in the first half of the 18th century, during which the interior was transformed into an elegant Baroque style. A fun fact when you stand in front of the place of worship: the beautiful limestone Renaissance portal dates from 1586. This portal originally belonged to the demolished Church of Sant'Antonio and was only placed on the facade of Santo Spirito in 1833. Definitely worth a visit.