Discover Tocco Da Casauria

Tocco Da Casauria combines mountain landscapes, historic buildings and the culture of olive oil. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine different travel ideas here: signposted mountain trails, sacred art, a distinctive castle complex and experiences centred around the indigenous “Toccolana” olive variety shape the town. You can clearly define the focus of your trip – on activity in nature, on culture or on enjoyable discoveries.

Mountain trails amid flora, rivers and springs

The municipality’s mountain area is included in the Maiella National Park. In Tocco Da Casauria, hikers can choose from various ways to explore the landscape. Trail A8 starts in the town and leads to Monte Rotondo. It can be walked, is designated for experienced hikers and focuses on flora. An ascent elevation difference of 1,250 m is indicated for this trail – a specific figure that you should take into account when planning your day.

The mountain trails around Tocco Da Casauria are also signposted and walkable. They make it possible to take excursions along the Arolle River and its tributaries. Along the way, you can observe the local fauna and several springs, including a sulphur-water spring. Those who want to combine active days with nature observation will find a different travel focus here than on a purely cultural stay. Paragliding flights also start at Fonte Luigi.

Churches, monastery and Castello Caracciolo

The town’s history is reflected in several buildings. The Church of Madonna delle Grazie has a stone portal and a radial rose window on its main façade; it is located on Via G. D’Annunzio. San Domenico is considered a Renaissance church and has a Neoclassical portal dating from the late 16th century. Sant’Eustachio combines a Baroque exterior with a Neoclassical interior featuring three naves and a large canvas depicting the saint.

The old Convento dell’Osservanza dominates the townscape of Tocco Da Casauria. The neighbouring Church of Madonna del Paradiso has interiors richly decorated with Baroque paintings and sculptures. The Santa Maria del Paradiso monastery is located on Via Osservanza. These various sacred buildings provide culturally interested travellers with several specific starting points for discovering the town, without implying any particular order or tour.

Castello Caracciolo is located in the highest part of Tocco Da Casauria, at the foot of Monte Morrone, and is strategically oriented towards the gorges of Popoli. The complex consists of four building wings enclosing a central courtyard, as well as four imposing square corner towers. During the era of Frederick II, the Castello was rebuilt; after the 1456 earthquake, the De Tortis, the lords of Tocco, rebuilt it again.

Olive oil and local traditions

Azienda Agricola Giardini Di Giulio offers three experiences: a guided walk through the olive groves, a guided walk with olive oil tasting, and a walk with tasting followed by a picnic. During the olive walk, visitors learn about the history of the indigenous “Toccolana” variety as well as the characteristics of its tree, fruit and the oil produced from it. This is particularly interesting if you would like to combine nature, regional agriculture and a culinary experience in one stay.

Local festival culture is also part of the town’s character. In Tocco Da Casauria, a programme called “Un Tocco D’Estate” was organised annually in summer, comprising attractions, festivals, sagra events and entertainment. The wording refers to a summer events programme from the past and adds to the image of a place where culture and local traditions find various forms of expression.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for accommodation, you can choose Tocco Da Casauria based on which of these experiences should be the focus. For experienced hikers, A8, with its destination of Monte Rotondo and the stated elevation difference, offers a clear focus on nature. Those who prefer to alternate between architectural history, churches and local cuisine can include the cultural buildings and olive oil experiences in their travel plans. The location on the SS5 Via Tiburtina Valeria and along the Rome–Sulmona–Pescara railway line is part of the town’s geographical orientation.

For additional destinations in your search, you can also view Montesilvano, Citta' Sant'angelo, Turrivalignani, Farindola, Penne, Abbateggio, Scafa and Brittoli.

For the broader travel overview: Pescara.