What to See in Abruzzo in One Day: Sulmona, Pacentro and a Slow Travel Itinerary in the Heart of Italy

There is an Abruzzo that moves at its own pace. An Abruzzo of pale stone villages, deep silences, the scent of sugar-coated almonds, and mountains quietly watching from afar. This is the Abruzzo revealed through a perfect slow travel itinerary, starting in Sulmona, continuing to Pacentro, and unfolding through landscapes where time seems to slow down naturally.

If you are staying at La Casetta di Trignano for a few days, this day trip comes almost effortlessly: a circular route combining art towns, historic villages and unspoiled nature, ideal for travellers seeking authenticity, beauty and meaningful experiences.

Sulmona: More Than the City of Confetti

Sulmona is internationally known as the “City of Confetti”, but this sweet reputation often overshadows a far more significant cultural legacy: Sulmona is the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, one of the greatest literary figures of classical antiquity.

Walking through Sulmona’s historic centre feels like stepping into an elegant open-air museum, where noble palaces, monumental churches and wide piazzas reflect centuries of artistic and intellectual heritage.

Highlights in Sulmona

• Piazza Garibaldi, one of the largest and most atmospheric historic squares in Italy

• The iconic medieval aqueduct, symbol of the city

• The Annunziata Complex, a masterpiece of art and civic identity

Sulmona invites visitors to slow down, observe and truly absorb its refined atmosphere.

The Confetti of Sulmona: A Centuries-Old Tradition

The tradition of Sulmona’s confetti dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, they were known as confettura, a term referring to almonds or nuts coated in honey. Their worldwide fame grew mainly in the 20th century, thanks to Abruzzese emigrants who carried this tradition to the United States, Canada and Australia.

Confetti are mentioned as early as the 14th century in Boccaccio’s Decameron, and historical documents describe the custom of throwing confetti at weddings as a symbol of prosperity. In the 15th century, the Poor Clares of the Monastery of Santa Chiara in Sulmona created the first confetti flower bouquets, tying them with silk threads as wedding gifts for noblewomen.

What makes Sulmona confetti unique is an exclusive production technique, allowing sugar to adhere naturally to almonds or other ingredients without the use of starches or flour, combined with extraordinary handcrafted artistry.

Visitors are often enchanted by the colourful confetti flowers displayed in baskets throughout the historic centre. Each life event has its own colour: pink or blue for births, red for graduations, silver and gold for wedding anniversaries.

Legend has it that Giacomo Leopardi, shortly before his death, asked to eat a cinnamon-flavoured confetto from Sulmona, now known as the “Leopardi Confetto”.

Pacentro: One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages

Less than twenty minutes from Sulmona lies Pacentro, officially listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Nestled within the Majella National Park and perched on a hill overlooking the Peligna Valley, Pacentro captivates visitors at first sight.

It is especially beloved by romantic travellers and couples, drawn to its historic centre and the golden light that envelops the village at sunset, giving Pacentro an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Many associate the village with pop star Madonna, whose family originated here, but Pacentro offers far more than celebrity connections.

Strolling through its streets means letting intuition guide you through stone alleys, noble residences and finely decorated portals, passing beneath arches, alongside ancient churches, stone washhouses and noble coats of arms.

Among the religious buildings, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as the Church of Mercy, stands out for its elegant façade and finely carved portal, while inside it preserves a magnificent Baroque wooden pulpit. Worth visiting are also the Church of San Marcello Pope, dating back to the 11th–12th centuries, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which together with its 17th-century fountain forms a charming focal point in Piazza del Popolo.

Caldora Castle: Guardian of the Peligna Valley

The Caldora Castle is one of the most fascinating medieval fortresses in Abruzzo. Its tall towers rise like sentinels above the village, dominating Pacentro and the surrounding valley.

Originally medieval in structure, the castle was expanded in the 15th century with the addition of a residential wingand two circular towers with arrow slits, highlighting both its defensive role and noble status. Today, it offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints in the area.

A Slow Lunch and Local Flavours

In the Peligna Valley, lunch is not just a break—it is part of the journey. A local trattoria offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy grilled arrosticini, handmade chitarra pasta, mountain cheeses and seasonal dishes, paired with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Here, food becomes a cultural experience, savoured without haste.

Beyond the Itinerary: Hidden Gems to Explore Slowly

If time allows, the afternoon can reveal quieter yet deeply evocative places. The Hermitage of Sant’Onofrio al Morrone, suspended between rock and sky, invites reflection and silence. The Abbey of Santo Spirito al Morronetells centuries of spiritual and architectural history, while Raiano and its gorges offer refreshing contact with nature. Even a simple walk through the Peligna Valley can become the most memorable part of the day.

Returning to La Casetta di Trignano: The Luxury of Stillness

After a day spent among villages, history and landscapes, returning to La Casetta di Trignano completes the experience. Evening falls gently, the air cools, and silence takes centre stage. A glass of wine, a simple dinner, and a star-filled sky: this is the true essence of slow travel in Abruzzo—time, space and authenticity.