Saluti a Tutti
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Capestrano is a picturesque town perched on a hill in the heart of Abruzzo with a rich history located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. If you haven’t yet been, you should, and if you are coming to visit Abruzzo make sure you put it on your list! You’ll thank us later.
This ancient, fortified town dates back to the 6th century BC when it was inhabited by the Picene people of whom a statue was discovered in the early 1900’s. This has now become not just one of the symbols of Capestrano, but also of Abruzzo: The Warrior of Capestrano.
Another symbol which can be seen from the distance is its stunning Castello Piccolomini built in the 13th century and later sold to the Medici family by the Piccolomini family. At the top of one of the castle towers, bearing in mind Capestrano itself is situated at 500m above sea level, you will soak up some of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping views across the Tirino valley with its ancient olive trees, and across to the majestic mountains of the Gran Sasso.
St John of Capestrano, the famous Franciscan Saint was born here in 1368 and the house where he was born is definitely worth a visit. To get to the house, make your way through the beautiful narrow streets past stunning medieval stone houses. St John also began the construction of the Convent of St Giovanni, also know as the Monastery of St Francis. Surrounded by olive groves on a hill just across from the town, pop over here to see this magnificent building with its baroque chapel and beautiful cloisters.
Also outside of the town is the Abbey of St Pietro ad Oratorium which has a rare Sator square on its external wall. The original building dates back to pagan times. Both externally and internally this ancient Abbey is a sight to behold.
With natural springs flowing into the lake Capodacqua the water is pristine offering great visibility so much so you can either scuba dive or take a glass bottom boat out and view two submerged ancient mills dating back to the Middle Ages. The nearby river Tirino is one of the clearest in Italy, ideal for canoeing or kayaking or just for admiring and enjoying the tranquillity of nature around you.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars, gelaterias and the hospitality, warmth and friendliness will exceed expectations. The Abruzzese are a friendly people and in Capestrano they are particularly so.
For the Americans visiting, note that Capestrano is twinned with your slightly differently spelled town of San Juan Capistrano in California.
Hope you enjoy this video of our day out in Abruzzo. Please do subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already; it means a lot to us. Grazie! ♥️
Please also consider supporting us as we cover all our expenses for our videos out of our own pocket. Find out more: www.buymeacoffee.com/explorin...
Do also watch out for our property tour video featuring a real bargain in Capestrano... coming soon!