The ancient village of Mutignano, halfway between Atri and the sea, represents the historical roots of Pineto, the first settlement of today’s town on the Adriatic coast, in the province of Teramo.

You encounter it immersed in the calanchi, the striking erosive phenomenon of the terrain produced by the action of water on the clayey rocks where two million years ago there were seabeds, today covered by a sparse vegetation but rich in fossils.

Mutignano develops in characteristic alleys, branching off from a main street, which host a peculiarity of the village: the presence of several murals depicting scenes of daily life, painted on some of the façades of the main streets and squares.

During your walk through the village, we suggest you visit the Church of San Silvestro Papa, dating back to the 12th century, in Romanesque style, built in brick with a bell tower set in the centre of the façade, at the base of which is a round-headed portal leading into the church. The interior features a trussed ceiling covering a single nave with side chapels. Admire a 15th-century altarpiece of St. Sylvester by the artist Andrea De Litio near the altar. Other works of art include a 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child and the Patron Saints, a cross by Nicola da Guardiagrele, a marble crucifix and a 17th-century painting of the Madonna and Child.

Also worth a visit is the Church of Saint Anthony, built in the Middle Ages and later entrusted to the order of Franciscan Friars. After their abandonment, the church deteriorated until, in 1729, it was rebuilt at the expense of Duke Troiano Acquaviva of Aragon.

After this walk, relax in the Castellaro Park, a scenic oasis that, with its ancient trees, paths and belvederes, is a meeting place for citizens and tourists alike and also hosts many cultural events.

Before saying goodbye to the village, savour the pasta alla pecorara, a special form of fresh ring-shaped pasta, strictly accompanied by a rich and tasty sauce of vegetables, and sometimes meat, all covered with a good dose of fresh sheep’s ricotta. Despite the simplicity of peasant cooking, this dish has a sumptuous preparation, an expression of the industriousness of the women of yesteryear.