Overview
Ortona, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is a small jewel just 30 kilometres from Chieti. The city is divided into two historical districts: Terravecchia and Terranova. The first portion is the oldest, of Roman origin, where the Aragonese Castle, overhanging the sea, the Cathedral of St Thomas the Apostle, housing his relics, and the Palazzo Farnese, commissioned by Margaret of Austria in the 1500s now housing the “Basilio Cascella” Museum of Modern Art, stand. More recent is Terranova, originally a predominantly rural area where the population poured in after WWII after the destruction of the city - documented in the Museum of the Battle of Ortona, earning it the title of “Stalingrad of Italy”.
Considered an excellent starting point for visiting the natural beauty of the area due to its location between the sea and the hills, it is the ideal base for exploring the Costa dei Trabocchi, a stretch of coastline characterised by wooden piles used for fishing. From Ortona, you can also easily reach the region's various natural parks, including Parco Fluviale Delle Acquevive and Majella National Park, where, depending on the season, various activities are organised, including walking, cycling and snowshoeing.
The main beaches include Lido Riccio, the beautiful Punta Ferruccio, Lido Saraceni and Punta dell'Acquabella, named after the clarity of its waters.
