Perched on a hill overlooking the Vomano valley, Castelbasso is your ideal destination if you love slow tourism. A village with a thousand-year history, it still retains its original structure and its medieval urban layout almost intact, with typical town walls, two town gates, charming little squares and narrow, winding alleys. 

The characteristic teardrop shape of its walls makes it one of the most picturesque villages in Abruzzo: Castelbasso is built with stones from the Vomano river, bricks and pozzolana. A hamlet of Castellalto, it has Lombard origins (6th-7th centuries) despite having been an important feud for centuries. Its history is a succession of different dominations, including that of the abbey of San Clemente a Casauria, that of the dukes of Atri, the Acquaviva, and that of the Marquis Ricci of Macerata.

A quiet and peaceful place, where you can breathe in an atmosphere of serenity, the village is small and easy to visit on foot. Stroll around and admire the medieval architecture and historic buildings. In the highest part of the village, stop to visit the Church of Saints Peter and Andrew Apostles: Romanesque in style, it dates back to the 14th century. Among the works preserved inside, don’t miss the peculiar 14th-century round-arched stone portal, the 6-register organ, the stone baptismal font with a 16th-century pedestal and the sculpture depicting the Madonna Enthroned.

Step by step, while your body and soul are regenerated by the enchanting urban and natural views, stop and observe the sober and elegant architecture of Palazzo De Sanctis, Palazzo Cancrini and Palazzo Clemente, home of the Malvina Menegaz Foundation. Continuing your visit, let your gaze wander over the surrounding views that stretch from the Vomano valley to the Adriatic Sea, the Maiella and the Gran Sasso.

An ancient and bucolic world, Castelbasso is a journey through time in which contemporary culture also lives. Artistic and cultural events enliven the village throughout the year, in particular the renowned Castelbasso Festival, which, from the end of July to the end of August, enhances the fusion of culture and local context, hosting nationally renowned personalities who will delight you with music, literature and art. 

From here, then, it is easy to increase your amazement by discovering the other preserved heritages in the vicinity, such as the Propezzano Abbey in Morro d’Oro.