In this article we tell you about a visit to the town of Montelapiano, a small jewel of a village overlooking the Sangro valley in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. (This visit was made by Viaggiando Italia staff on 11 May 2024).
Montelapiano defined as the “terrace of Abruzzo” it is possible to enjoy a wonderful panorama that opens onto the Sangro Valley. As soon as we arrive in the town we park the car in the main square near the town hall.
A truly unexpected decorated staircase
We enter the small and charming historic center and walk along a wonderful staircase artistically decorated with colored ceramics that tell the story, traditions and illustrious characters of the town of Montelapiano. In the depictions, much importance is given to ancient crafts, art and music in particular.
This is Rita Fantini’s Scala Maggiore which welcomes those arriving from the center of the town square with a series of colors and representations that stimulate different emotions. Made up of 22 steps entirely decorated in ceramic.
The welcome of the villagers
Some villagers are on the balconies welcoming us by waving, while enjoying the first warm spring sun of this year.
We follow the path between the narrow alleys and the arches and masonry, some views are very particular, one of these very artistic has almost a tribal flavour, with carved wooden masks.
The church of San Michele protects the village
We arrive at the church of San Michele Arcangelo with a beautiful sparkling white fountain on its right that welcomes us. The church, which dates back to the 16th century and was restored in the early 20th century, is very well decorated and dedicated to the Saint.
Continuing, we arrive at the first of the two viewpoints overlooking the Sangro valley. Here we are welcomed by the scent of acacia in full bloom that creates a carpet of flowers. On the left we notice a beautiful villa perched on the rock, in an almost eccentric style.
Special scenic spots with acacia scent
We visit the second Belvedere, the main and most scenic one, which overlooks Lake Bomba. With the use of a free-use telescope we can look with more attention to details. The water of Lake Bomba is an intense blue, the surrounding nature is a deep green and in the background the villages of Bomba, Colledimezzo, Pietraferrazzana. If it helps you, this is the GPS point to reach it.
Here we meet a group of Spanish-speaking tourists who appear truly amazed by the beautiful view from here of this small but charming and “familiar” cross-section of Abruzzo.
Driving along the main road of the town we return to the car park and set off on our journey of discovery of Italy.
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