This travel guide excerpt from The Inner Secrets highlights Abruzzo as an "enchanting region" and "Italy’s best-kept secret" due to its diverse offerings of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary experiences.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

Natural Wonders:

• Mountains: Home to the Apennine Mountains, including the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, offering challenging hikes and scenic beauty. The Majella National Park is described as the "Wild Heart of Italy" with "rugged landscapes, pristine forests, and...hermitages and monasteries."
• Coast: Abruzzo boasts a stunning Adriatic coastline featuring "beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, and vibrant resort towns like Pescara and Vasto."

Cultural Attractions:

• L’Aquila (Regional Capital): Features well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and a 16th-century Spanish Fort.
• Sulmona: Birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, known for its lively squares and traditional confetti (sugared almonds).
• Chieti: Houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale d’Abruzzo, showcasing the region's rich archaeological history.

Culinary Delights:

• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Wine: A regional specialty, with opportunities for vineyard visits and tastings.
• Pasta & Lamb Dishes: Features "delicious pasta dishes, such as maccheroni alla chitarra and scrippelle ‘mbusse" and is known for its "succulent lamb and pork dishes."
• Confetti: Sulmona is famous for its colorful confetti, often used as wedding favors.

Festivals & Events:

• La Festa di San Domenico (Cocullo): A unique religious festival involving a procession of live snakes.
• Sagra del Tartufo (Santo Stefano di Sessanio): Celebrates the regional truffle harvest with food stalls, demonstrations, and truffle hunting.
• Transhumance Festival (Scanno): A reenactment of the ancient tradition of moving livestock, featuring colorful costumes and folk music.

Overall Impression:

The excerpt enthusiastically paints Abruzzo as an "unspoiled" and "authentic" Italian experience catering to nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies. It emphasizes the region's ability to provide a genuine Italian experience away from the crowds.