Since the characteristics of the territory make it a natural lookout, it is not surprising that Truentum, the last stronghold of the Illyrian people of Liburni, originating from present-day Croatia, once stood here. The fall of the Western Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions led to the dismantling of its port and the destruction of the city, while the inhabitants sought refuge in the surrounding hills, giving birth to Colonnella.

The surrounding area has given us numerous finds from the Roman era including, above all, cisterns for collecting water. Some of them are well preserved and you can still admire them: the Cincolà cistern, almost 6 m in diameter, used until the last century, on the Pianaccio hill in contrada San Martino, and the Ricci cistern in contrada Vibrata.

Probably of Roman origin are also the fountains, such as Fonte Vecchia, located in contrada Giardino, and Fonte Ottone, in contrada San Martino; in the territory of Colonnella you can also come across about 20 ‘pinciaie’ or ‘pinciare’, earthen dwellings typical of the rural Adriatic centres, between Abruzzo and Marche, some of which are still used as sheds.

Do not stop here and reach the centre of the village via a characteristic flight of steps, built at the beginning of the 20th century and now a symbol of the town. At the top of all the steps, you will find yourself in Piazza del Popolo, where you can admire the Church of Saints Cyprian and Justina with its bell tower that makes it visible from anywhere you enter the town.

Also standing out over your heads is the Clock Tower, probably part of a past defensive system of the village. From here you can appreciate the splendid panorama that opens out from the territories of Teramo to those of the Marche region.

After this relaxing and curious walk, it is time to sit down and enjoy a table set with the many local gastronomic delicacies.

You may have noticed that all around the village of Colonnella, which is a City of Wine, the countryside stretches as far as the eye can see: here there are many vineyards which produce excellent wines, from Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to Trebbiano and Passerina, not forgetting Cerasuolo. Combine your meal with a good glass … you will not regret it.