Anversa-degli-Abruzzi, Italy is a beautiful village perched on the edge of a gorge

Visit Anversa degli Abruzzi

Anversa degli Abruzzi is a pretty village set on a spur over the gorge of the Saggitario river. As well as the heady views over the gorge the village has a stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The village is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of Italy'.

Explore Anversa degli Abruzzi

The village spreads out along a rocky spur high above the Saggitario river. At the top of the village are the ruins of a Norman castle dating back to the 12th century but devastated by the earthquake of 1706. Many of the buildings were built in the 16-18th century when Anversa degli Abruzzi was a wealthy town due to the raising of sheep. Wealthy inhabitants spent money on beautifying their houses and carved stone features can be seen as you walk through the village.

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazi has an interesting limestone portal which is the only one of its kind in the region. Inside the 16th century church is a copy of the Anversa triptych which was sadly stolen in 1981.

The 11th century church of San Marcello has a wonderful Gothic portal sculpted with various plants and creatures and there is also a Botanic garden to visit in the village. From the Botanical garden you can follow a walk through the gorge and admire the beautiful rugged scenery up close.

Good views can be seen from all around the village but there is also a viewpoint with dramatic views over the gorge. Also look out for the terrace near Porta Pazziana from where you can get good views of the Saggitario river and the small village of Castrovalva. From the gorge you can also see a row of houses known as the houses of Lombardi. They are now abandoned and rather overgrown but were built in the 15th and 16th century by bricklayers from northern Italy.

Gabrielle D'Annunzia based one of his literary masterpieces ' The light under a bushel' on the town, and particularly the castle of Anversa degli Abruzzi.

Attractions Nearby

Visit the pretty hamlet of Castrovalva home to a 12th century church and also having good views over the gorge.

Be sure to visit the beautiful town of Sulmona which is nearby and has lots of fine palaces and churches to admire as well as an aquaduct that runs right throught the town.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Abruzzo guide.

Map of Anversa degli Abruzzi and places to visit

Anversa degli Abruzzi places to visit

Sulmona

One of the highlights of Abruzzo with beautiful squares and fine palazzos. It was also the birthplace of Ovid, the celebrated Roman poet of ancient times.

Sulmona guide