Bradt's Abruzzo remains the only full English-language guide to this beautiful and increasingly favoured part of Italy. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to cover all developments since the last edition, reflecting the region's growing popularity for holiday homes and as a busy conference destination at the heart of Italy, plus its appeal for wildlife and active tourism, including trekking, family holidays and horse-riding. Abruzzo offers the best of undiscovered Italy from pristine beaches to mountain glaciers, with some of Italy's most beautiful medieval villages clinging to the hillsides in between. This brand new edition of Bradt's Abruzzo provides all the practical and background information you'll need to explore this surprising region. What makes the Abruzzo region remarkable is that it is still about as unique and authentic an Italian experience as you can get in a country so devoured by international tourism. Abruzzo offers one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country, only a short distance from the tallest mountain ranges in Italy outside the Alps (it is the second most popular skiing centre in Italy outside the Alps) and one of the best places for hiking and flora/fauna spotting. What's more, despite the economic downturn of recent times, the regional government continues to invest in a 'beautification' project for its major urban centres and in the development of its regional highlights such as mountains, wildlife parks and rural towns. It's notable that in the 2017 national competition for 'I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia' (The Most Beautiful Towns in Italy) programme, Abruzzo was recognised as having 23 of the country's most beautiful towns, trailing second only behind Umbria and with at least a handful more than Tuscany. Intriguingly, Madonna's family hails from the town of Pacentro, to which the singer donated US$500,000 for restoration works after the 2009 earthquake in the region. Blue Flag beaches, mountain hiking and where to spot rare wildlife such as bears and wolves are all covered, as are untouched castles and frescoed churches and the region's plethora of Roman ruins. Italian cooking and the best places to eat are featured (Abruzzo is home to the majority of Italy's domestic pasta production), and there is extensive coverage of culture and language (Abruzzo is one of Italy's most linguistically diverse regions). Written with warmth and insight by a native Abruzzese, Bradt's Abruzzo contains all the information you need to discover this enchanting part of Italy.

"A culinary gem for everyone who wants to bring the true flavor of Italy into their home." -Paula Wolfert The distinctive cuisine of Abruzzo, passed down through generations, is unveiled in this landmark cookbook. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, Abruzzo is one of Italy's most striking regions, where the tastes of the earth and sea create a cuisine of vibrant flavors. Author and teacher Anna Teresa Callen grew up in Abruzzo and understands its regional specialties. Here is simple cooking at its best, with flavors kept fresh and clean. The robust tastes will linger, continuing to lure you into the kitchen to bring the joy and abundance of Italy's pastoral land to your own table. The book features more than 350 recipes such as Cardoon Soup from Anna Teresa's grandmother, the savory pie Fiadone Villese traditionally served at Easter, and the dessert La Cicerchiata from Italy's Jewish heritage. Callen's experience as a cooking teacher means the recipes are expertly written to ensure the best results every time. Framing the tempting recipes are the author's recollections of her bucolic girlhood-fishing with her father in the Adriatic, hunting for mushrooms in the forests, and rolling out pasta by hand with her mother-immersing you in the patterns of daily life in Abruzzo.

Little known Molise and Abruzzo in central Italy was the home of my ancestors, the fearsome and proud ancient Samnites who came down from the Apennine mountains to contest the lush fertile fields of Campania against the newly established Latin Romans. After three brutal wars with Rome, the Samnites were subdued and integrated into Roman society, but their culture lived on. The dramatic history of this region is recounted from ancient times, through the Middle Ages and into the modern world; as seen through the eyes of conquerors, monks, saints, nobles, peasants, scientists, poets, charlatans, adventurers, opportunists, witches, popes, politicians, journalists, movie actors and entertainers; who all left a cultural legacy on Molise and Abruzzo. Against the backdrop of this history, is my mother Carmelina's personal story from her childhood in the Molise village of Montagano during the Second World War, to her migration to Australia in the 1950s in order to start a new life in a land of opportunities. This book is a journey of adventure and discovery, told through stories of the human condition reflected in hope, disappointment, faith, ambition, fear, perseverance, humbleness, hatred, wisdom and the sheer power of a mother's unconditional love and devotion to her family. With over 350 illustrations and 36 chapters, take the ultimate journey through the rich history and culture of the relatively unknown central Italian regions of Molise and Abruzzo, the heart and soul of timeless Italy!

A witty and warm-hearted memoir of abandoning fast-paced American days in favor of discovering the Italian secrets of food, community, and life. Moving across the globe meant Michelle Damiani soon found herself untangling Italian customs, delighting in glorious regional cuisine (recipes included), and creating lasting friendships. From grandmothers eager to teach the ancient art of pasta making, to bakers tossing bread into fiery ovens with a song, to butchers extolling the benefits of pork fat, Il Bel Centro is rich with captivating characters and cultural insights. Throw in clinking glasses of Umbrian red with the local communists and a village all-nighter decorating the cobblestone streets with flower petals; as well as embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office, and you have all the ingredients for a spellbinding travel tale. Exquisitely observed, Il Bel Centro is an intimate celebration of small town Italy, as well as a thoughtful look at raising a family in a new culture and a fascinating story of finding a home. Ultimately though, this is a story about how travel can change you when you’re ready to let it. With laugh-out-loud situations and wanderlust-inspiring storytelling, Il Bel Centro is a joyous and life-affirming read that will have readers rushing to renew their passports. “This is one of the most beautiful book I’ve ever read.” “I absolutely couldn’t get enough of this book.” “This book made me want to pack my bags.” “I loved, loved this book. Fabulously written, engaging, and entertaining.” “A magical read.”

Situated in the centre of Italy, Abruzzo lies just an hour's drive from Rome. Often overlooked, it has never been discovered by mass tourism. Abruzzo has something for everyone: hiking on the slopes of the Majella mountain range, wine tasting along olive-strewn roads that disappear into the labyrinths of ancient towns, shopping through the sunny, pastel streets of Pescara or skiing on the highest peaks of the central Apennines. This updated guide explores towns and villages well off the beaten track. It also goes into greater depth on the region than its competitors, with more detail on the history, culture and sights, and more opinionated and entertaining reviews of hotels and restaurants.

"This lush guide, featuring more than 350 glorious photographs from National Geographic, showcases the best Italy has to offer from the perspective of two women who have spent their lives reveling in its unique joys."--Publisher's description.

Zoe grew up in Brisbane in the 70s and 80s trying to be like everyone else, but never quite shaking the feeling of being half and half - half Australian, half mezza italiana. Zoe then travels to Italy and stays in the house that has belonged to her family for centuries.