Discover Altino: Nature, Peppers, and Historic Places

Altino combines nature experiences with a distinctive culinary and historical identity. The Oasi di Serranella is particularly defining, while churches, old Trappeti, and the Museo del Peperone Dolce di Altino offer further insights into the town. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Altino can therefore choose to focus their trip on the nature reserve, culture, or regional cuisine.

The Oasi di Serranella and the Percorso dei fiumi

The Oasi di Serranella is a regional nature reserve located within the municipal territories of Altino, Casoli, and Sant'Eusanio del Sangro. In 1987, a protected oasis for the fauna of the Province of Chieti was established there; in 1990, Regional Law L.R. 68/90 declared the area a regional reserve. In addition, the Oasi is included in the Site of Community Importance IT7140215 “Lago di Serranella e colline di Guarenna”.

In the Altino area, the “Percorso dei fiumi” leads to the confluence of the Aventino and Sangro rivers. Access is from contrada Selva. At suitable times, you can observe waterbirds there from close range. This creates a clear choice when planning a trip: those who want to focus on landscapes and wildlife observation can look for accommodation in Altino and plan the natural area as a separate day trip.

Churches and Evidence of the Town's History

The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie houses an altarpiece of the Madonna delle Grazie dating from 1335. The Chiesa di San Rocco is located outside the old town center. Based on a stylistic assessment, it was probably built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Both places offer different ways of accessing Altino's history: the altarpiece represents a clearly dated work of art, while San Rocco, through its location outside the old town center and its probable period of construction, provides another historical trace.

The Museo del Peperone Dolce di Altino was designed by the architect Giuseppe Manzi and inaugurated in Altino in July 2015. It is a place of historical memory and environmental change, strengthening the identity of the Altino area. The museum thus complements the natural and ecclesiastical attractions with a subject closely connected to the town's development.

Peperone dolce and the Trappeti

The Peperone dolce di Altino refers to the sweet pepper variety “Paesanello di Altino”, also known as “A cocce capammonte”, whose fruits point upward. It is used as a seasoning in regional cured meats such as Salsicce and Ventricina. At the Festival del Peperone dolce di Altino, only residents of the respective competing contrade take part. They create their own menus, reinterpret traditional recipes, and try out new combinations with sweet peppers.

The Trappeti are also part of the local history. I Trappeti document the development from the “trabocco” mills, which are among the oldest and most impressive mills of the 19th century, to mills with wooden or iron screw presses. There are numerous ancient Trappeti in the Altino area; some have been preserved with working machinery and intact rooms in their original appearance. This gives travelers interested in culture a different perspective on the region's working and culinary history.

Choosing Altino as a Place to Stay

A holiday apartment in Altino is a suitable option for travelers who want to combine nature, local history, and regional specialties in one trip. Families can divide up their different interests: the Oasi di Serranella offers a nature-focused experience, the churches and museum provide cultural points of interest, and Peperone dolce and the Trappeti offer an introduction to local traditions. The key factor is less a general ranking of the attractions than the question of which focus should define your stay.

For your further search, you can also consider these places: Ortona, Francavilla Al Mare, Roccamontepiano, Torrevecchia Teatina, Casacanditella, Taranta Peligna, Borrello and Tornareccio.

For the higher-level travel overview: Chieti.