Pianella: Ceramics, Olive Groves and Countryside Routes

Pianella combines a multifaceted history with traditional crafts, churches, olive-growing culture and varied countryside routes. Anyone planning a trip can combine different interests here: historic traces in the town, ceramics from several centuries, expansive views of the Majella and circular routes through olive groves and nature. A holiday apartment in Pianella is suitable as accommodation for travellers who want to organise their stay around culture, landscapes and culinary discoveries.

Historic Traces and Ceramic Art

In old documents, Pianella is referred to as Castrum Planellae; the town was equipped with a fortification. One of the visible historic elements is the Arco di San Silvestro, one of Pianella’s old town gates. Admission is free, offering a straightforward way to include this part of the town’s history in your exploration.

The churches, too, tell stories of different eras. The masonry of the Chiesa di San Domenico is late Romanesque, with Renaissance and Baroque layers also present. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate was built on an existing medieval structure. Its small, single chapel contains the body of Saint Ciriaca, virgin and martyr, in a glass urn. A trip focused on culture therefore offers several distinct themes, from medieval building fabric to religious tradition.

A special destination is the Museo dell'Artigianato Ceramico Abruzzese. The museum is municipally owned and displays more than 400 ceramics dating from the 16th to the 20th century. A reservation at 333 351 7289 is required for a visit. Plan this appointment in advance if ceramic art is one of the focuses of your trip.

Views, Lakes and Paved Circular Routes

The Belvedere “Andrea Pietrolungo” also includes a spacious amphitheatre. From there, it offers expansive views of the Majella massif to the south. This landscape aspect complements the town’s history with a distinctly different perspective and may be just as important for planning your day as the cultural attractions.

Two circular routes of different lengths are available for exploring the surrounding area. Le Vie dell’Olio is an approximately 10-kilometre tourist circular route through Pianella’s countryside and olive groves. The route runs entirely along paved roads and can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by car. Le Vie dei Laghi runs for approximately 18 kilometres through the nature and countryside of the Pianella area and also follows entirely paved roads. This circular route can likewise be travelled on foot, by bicycle or by car. The lakes located along Le Vie dei Laghi provide a habitat for numerous resident and migratory species of waterbirds.

Olive Oil, Tradition and Trip Planning

Part of the local character is the olive oil Pianella is known for, produced from the “dritta” variety. Tondino del Tavo is characterised by a very thin skin, which enables quick preparation and easy digestion.

A special occasion is the afternoon of Easter Sunday: in Pianella, you can then experience Lu Bbongiorne, a centuries-old tradition attributed to the Lombard period, which remains very vibrant and well attended despite some changes. If you would like to get to know this tradition, you should explicitly take the date into account when planning your trip.

For your further selection of travel destinations, you can also include Farindola, Villareia, Catignano, Sant'eufemia A Maiella, Spoltore, Pietranico, Roccamorice and Popoli in your research. Pianella itself offers a clear choice between historic discoveries, ceramics, olive-growing culture and countryside experiences.

For the overarching travel overview: Pescara.