Terramane

Tortoreto

Elegance Overlooking the Sea

Tortoreto, defined as "aristocratic and elegant" for the sobriety of its urban décor and the refinement of the Art Nouveau villas on the seafront, has developed over time with respect for the environment. A green vocation that has grown thanks to a few key elements: i its almost 4 km of fine, wide beach, its cycle paths, its tree-lined promenade and its great capacity for hospitality.

As you climb the hill, you will find the medieval village of Tortoreto Alto. The Renaissance tower of the Misericordia rises above the old village in the central square while, moving outwards, you will come across the remains of ancient fortifications, including a cylindrical tower.

The Church of Saintt Mary of Mercy and the Church of Saint Augustine are worth a visit. In the Church of Saint Mary of Mercy, in late Romanesque style, you can admire a precious cycle of frescoes on the life and Passion of Christ, painted in 1526 by Giacomo Bonfini from Ascoli and his pupils.

The Church of Saint Augustine, built in Baroque style in the 17th century, houses the painting of the Baptism of Saint Augustine (1653) by Mattia Preti.

After strolling through history and art, look out from the Belvedere and enjoy what the nature of Tortoreto Alto and the surrounding beauty has to show you.

On the way back to the coast, historical evidence takes you much further back in time. In fact, archaeological excavations have brought to light a Roman dwelling dating back to the 2nd century B.C.: we are talking about the Domus Muracche, a rural villa of which the residential part facing the sea and the Pane Fructaria, the place where wine and oil were produced, are still visible.

Nestled between the hills and the coast, Tortoreto will tempt you with a combination of land and sea flavours, typical of Teramo tradition. We would like to point out a precious local gem: the extra virgin olive oil Pretuziano delle Colline Teramane DOP, a delight for the taste, smell and sight.

So, do not be surprised by the fact that Tortoreto has received so many awards over the years: from the Blue Flag as a seaside resort, for the sustainable management of the territory, to the Green Flag for its child-friendly beaches; from the Yellow Flag, thanks to its offer for camper van tourism, to the Green Ears, for its attention to sustainable rural development; from the title of Historic Maritime Village to that of Running and Walking Town for the areas and routes available to those who want to practice these activities.