Sulmona, a jewel set among the majestic mountains of Abruzzo, cradles a culinary and cultural heritage that has its roots in past centuries. Through its cobbled streets and winding alleys, the visitor is surrounded by a magical atmosphere, where history is intertwined with gastronomic traditions and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
The journey begins at dawn, when the scent of freshly ground coffee wafts through the deserted streets. Sulmona slowly awakens, while the first rays of the sun paint the peaks of the mountains surrounding it pink. It's the perfect time to immerse yourself in the daily life of the city, walking through the open-air markets, where farmers sell their fresh products: pecorino cheeses, delicious cured meats and freshly picked vegetables.
Abruzzo's gastronomy is renowned for its simplicity and authenticity, and in Sulmona there are numerous restaurants and trattorias offering traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients. One of the most famous specialties is the "Confetto di Sulmona", a typical sweet made from almonds covered with a thin layer of sugar. Sugared almonds are an integral part of local traditions, given as gifts during holidays or offered as a sign of hospitality to guests.
After a hearty breakfast of cappuccino and croissant, it's time to explore the natural beauty that surrounds Sulmona. A few kilometers from the city extends the Majella National Park, a protected area that is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Here, nature lovers can immerse themselves in outdoor adventures, including panoramic excursions, walks in the woods and picnics by the crystalline lakes.
One of the most evocative places to visit is the suggestive hermitage of Santo Spirito a Majella, an ancient monastery located on a rocky cliff surrounded by a dense forest. Climbing along the winding paths that lead to the hermitage, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley below and you can immerse yourself in the quiet and spirituality of the place.
Returning to the city, it is impossible not to be enchanted by the rich historical and cultural heritage of Sulmona. The historic center is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of San Panfilo, a masterpiece of Abruzzo Romanesque architecture. Inside the cathedral, medieval frescoes and works of sacred art narrate the thousand-year history of the city and its religious traditions.
For those who want to deepen their knowledge of local culture, a visit to the Museum of Confectionery Art is a must. Here it is possible to discover the production process of the famous Sulmona sugared almonds, from ancient artisan techniques to modern innovations. The museum also offers guided tastings, where you can taste a wide range of confetti in different flavors and aromas.
Finally, at sunset, as the sky turns orange and pink, it's time to end the day with a memorable dinner in one of the city's panoramic restaurants. Savoring dishes of Abruzzo cuisine, accompanied by a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, you let yourself be lulled by the flavors and aromas of a land rich in history and tradition.
Sulmona is much more than just a tourist destination; it is a journey through time, a sensorial experience that leaves a deep imprint in the hearts of anyone lucky enough to visit it. With its culinary traditions, its natural treasures and its thousand-year history, this fascinating Abruzzo city will forever remain imprinted in the memory of those who have had the privilege of discovering its hidden secrets. Plan your stay and call us, we will be happy to host you in a facility where hospitality becomes art.
Stella CasaBono in the historic center of Sulmona
https://www.repubblica.it/viaggi/2019/01/25/news/abruzzo_seduzione_senza_tempo_libro_foto-217205982/
https://www.skyscanner.it/notizie/10-posti-magici-abruzzo
Roberto Bono
