From the sea to the mountains, between art and religion

Starting from Silvi, you can head towards the Municipality of Isola del Gran Sasso (415 meters above sea level) following the A14 motorway in a northerly direction up to the Teramo - Giulianova - Mosciano Sant'Angelo exit. From there, you can continue on the Teramo-Mare highway and then on the A24 motorway in the direction of L'Aquila.

Isola del Gran Sasso is a locality located on the slopes of the Gran Sasso, on the banks of the Ruzzo river and in the heart of the Sicilian Valley. This municipality is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in central Italy, as it hosts the Sanctuary of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata. Furthermore, here, it is worth visiting the Romanesque church of San Giovanni ad Insulam, which stands next to an ancient Benedictine monastery.

Just 15 minutes by car from Isola del Gran Sasso is the suggestive mountain village of Castelli, located at the foot of Monte Shirt, famous for its ancient ceramic manufacturing. This traditional art is still visible today in the church of S. Donato, where the ceiling is adorned with majolica tiles depicting religious scenes and phrases of popular wisdom, and in the church of S. Maria di Costantinopoli, which houses the Castelli ceramics museum.

The historic center of the village is characterized by ancient, small medieval buildings streets that lead under large architraves and portals that make us relive a distant era, and from the homes of famous potters, such as that of Orazio Pompei dating back to 1500. Furthermore, the panoramic view of the Gran Sasso chain that opens up before our eyes overlooking the Leomagna valley is just fantastic.