Nestled In The Apennine Mountains Is A Beautiful Italian Village Known For Its Majestic Castle

From a serene fairytale valley in the Dolomites up north, to a pristine peninsula getaway along the Tyrrhenian Sea, magical adventures await in every corner of this ancient land. And only a little over halfway between Rome and the glistening Adriatic coast is a shiny gem of a village you might just miss if you don't look closely enough. Pettorano Sul Gizio is clustered atop a forested hill overlooking the glittering ribbon of the Gizio River, which winds through the rolling countryside of the Abruzzo region. Embraced by verdant national parks and the sweeping ridges of the Central Apennine Mountains, this delightful village is the perfect blend of historic charm and breathtaking natural vistas.

The highlight of Pettorano Sul Gizio, aside from its medieval architecture, is the fantastic stone castle standing guard over the houses down below. Once a formidable garrison, the round turrets and bastion walls of Cantelmo Castle date to the Middle Ages, a defensive fortress that stood against attempted invasions. Spiraling tightly around the castle are the sloping cobblestone streets opening up to cozy piazzas and narrow alleyways leading to historic churches. All of these sights make Pettorano Sul Gizio a strong rival for the beauty of Orvieto, described as "what an Italian hill town should be."

The town is so small that it doesn't even have its own train station, so the best way to get there is by renting a car for the roughly two-hour drive from Rome. You could also take the train from Rome to the nearest large town, Sulmona, and hop on a bus from there to Pettorano Sul Gizio. For international visitors, the closest major airport is Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, which is a two-hour drive away from the town.

When you're in a medieval Italian hilltop town, exploring the historic architecture is a must. First stop: Cantelmo Castle. The interior rooms feature displays and dioramas retelling the town's history, while climbing the castle towers and walking along the stone parapets offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Next, follow the cobbled streets along quaint stone houses until you reach the Palazzo Ducale. This is the former residence of the Cantelmo family, who owned the castle until the 18th century. Duck under a vaulted passageway and you'll find a charming courtyard in front of the palazzo, decorated with an intricate water fountain.

A trip to any Italian town wouldn't be complete without stopping at a few churches, which you'll find in abundance in Pettorano Sul Gizio. Particularly beautiful is the Church of San Nicola, with a rather austere stone exterior which belies the mesmerizing altars and detailed frescoes within. There's also the Church of San Dionisio, which dates to the 12th century and features an ornamental fountain adorned with statues of Roman deities. As you wander through the picturesque streets, you will also no doubt notice towering stone portals within the surrounding walls. These are the remnants of the ancient entrance gates, which once controlled access to the village. Of the original six gates, five remain intact today. The most spectacular among them is the Porta San Nicola, which boasts an intricate fresco painted in the 17th century.

Learn more about Pettorano Sul Gizio's manufacturing history at the Industrial Archaeology Park, just outside the town walls. Wander the footpaths through the ruins of cloth fulling mills and livestock stables, some dating to the 18th century. These have been preserved amidst a serene botanical garden where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy the peaceful scenery in this beautiful under-the-radar Italian town.

Once you've had your fill of cultural sightseeing, the incredible Abruzzo landscape awaits. Abutting the village to the west is the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Nature Reserve, a vast swath of forested slopes forming part of the village's historic center. Head over to the loop trail on a pleasant hike into the woodlands for spectacular panoramas of the Apennine valleys. On the way back, you'll also be rewarded with an excellent viewpoint of Cantelmo Castle. For something slightly more challenging, drive about an hour south to the foothills of Mount Mattone and hike the loop trail for dramatic rocky terrain and sweeping views of the lake below.

Don't miss the Majella National Park, about 35 minutes northeast of town, to experience the country's rugged wilderness. Circling the peak of Mount Amaro, the national park landscape is fringed by rocky crags, forested slopes, and waterways teeming with wildlife. Ancient limestone cliffs rise majestically amidst the thick vegetation and gurgling streams, dotted with mysterious caves. Explore the meandering woodland trails of the national park, then head back to Pettorano Sul Gizio to find a good meal and a good night's sleep.

When you're hungry, have a bite at Il Torchio, which has delicious pasta, delectable wines, and a great atmosphere. Next door is the Bar al Cortile, where you can enjoy an aromatic coffee, breakfast bites, or even a delicious pizza on the balcony overlooking the surrounding mountains. Excellent accommodations can be found at Il Giardinetto di Pettorano, a bed and breakfast with cozy furnishings and great views. Another option is Il Convento Sul Gizio, a former nunnery now boasting comfortable apartments that will complete your truly memorable holiday in this medieval Italian village.