Overview
This is how Forbes magazine described it, ranking Città Sant’Angelo among the 10 best places in the world to live. The main street with its ancient aristocratic palaces, narrow alleys and marvellous churches really do make it a little jewel well kept among the green hills of the province of Pescara!
Situated 325 metres above sea level, just 18 kilometres from the city of Pescara, its historic centre is an evocative interlude of time, where you can immerse yourself in a unique dimension and an atmosphere full of many suggestions. Lose yourself in its picturesque streets to discover the architectural heritage of great value that make it one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and take a romantic walk to admire an incredible panorama that ranges from the Adriatic Sea (to the east) to the highest mountains of the Apennines, with Maiella (to the south) and Gran Sasso d'Italia (to the west) imposingly appearing before your eyes.
In your wanderings around the village, stop to admire and visit the imposing Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo, one of the most important monuments of Abruzzo architecture. Built in 1200 on an earlier construction probably dating back to the 8th or 9th century and elevated to the rank of Collegiata in 1353, it was completed by a valuable 15th-century portico. Its interior is embellished with a marvellous wooden coffered ceiling and 14th-century frescoes. A symbol of the Church's supremacy over the State at the time was the construction of the large bell tower, 47 metres high, a measurement equivalent to the length of the portico.
The Church of St Francis of Assisi is not to be outdone. It is set in a vast and articulated architectural convent complex, with its marvellous and unique 14th-century polychrome portal. The Basilian monks began the construction of the convent in 1327. Inside, you can admire the painting “the chapel of Villa Serena” by the painter and citizen of Città Sant’Angelo Paolo De Cecco, the convent parlour of the Poor Clare nuns and the “Ruota degli Esposti”, which allowed to leave abandoned infants (so called “esposti”, lit. “exposed”) without being seen from the inside. Of artistic interest are the Museo laboratorio d'Arte Contemporanea and the Museo Civico Luigi Chiavetta.
Città Sant'Angelo will amaze you with its liveliness, heartfelt traditions, typical products, enchanting landscape and enviable position. Numerous cultural and food and wine events are held here throughout the year.
Its geographical position allows you to savour both land and sea cuisine. The hills of Città Sant’Angelo are covered with vineyards and olive groves that produce excellent wines and oils. Typical recipes of Abruzzo gastronomy such as “maccheroni alla chitarra”, “pasta alla mugnaia” arrosticini” can be eaten in local households.
Città Sant’Angelo is part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.