PESCARA
Pescara is a city on the east coast of Italy, in the region of Abruzzo along the Adriatic coast, at the mouth of the Aterno-Pescara River. The town is famous for its beaches and for being the birthplace of Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio and has a population of around 120,000 people.
A brief history of Pescara
The city began as the port of Vestini, and the Marrucini tribes used it as a port to trade with people in the Far East. The town was then known as Aternum under the Romans and remained an important port for trade with the Eastern provinces of the Empire. Pescara was invaded in 597 by the Lombards. Then in 1140, the Kingdom of Sicily conquered the town and gave it the name 'Piscaria', meaning 'abundant with fish'. Repeatedly attacked by the Venetians over the next few centuries, Pescara later it became part of the Spanish Kingdom of Naples and turned into a massive fortress. By the 18th century, Pescara had around 3000 inhabitants. After a devastating flood in 1853, Pescara was liberated by Giuseppe Garibaldi's collaborator Clemente De Caesaris in 1860. During World War II the city was severely damaged and was subsequently redeveloped to become one of Italy's most modern coastal towns, and the principal city in the region.
Things to do in Pescara
Firstly take a stroll along the Ponte del Mare, or bridge over the sea, a 466 meter-long, cable-stayed walking & cycling bridge that crosses the Pescara River before it opens to the sea that opened in 2009. You can also visit the birthplace of the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio while in Pescara. His former home, turned museum, tells the story of his life and gives a general and compelling account of recent history in Pescara. For nature lovers, Pineta Dannunziana Nature Reserve will not disappoint! It is located just two and a half kilometres south of the city centre and protects the surrounding pine forest, covering an area of 53 hectares. The park includes some historical buildings, such as the former Aurum factory, a horseshoe-shaped building designed by Giovanni Michelucci in 1939, as well as some Art Nouveau villas.
Beaches around Pescara
There are many lovely beaches in Pescara. Lido Sabbia D'oro is located south along the coast, close to the city centre. Then there is the beach around Torre del Cerrano, which also features a campsite. Nettuno beach I also centrally located and is fully equipped with sunbeds for rent and pizzerias nearby! If you are looking for more lively beaches then travel north towards Montesilvano, this area features some lidos that turn into trendy disco bars in the evening.