Sulmona, what to do and see in the city of Ovid and the confetti

From the excursion to Roccaraso to the tasting of sugared almonds, from the Easter tradition to the Trans-Siberian railway in Italy: the best things to do and see in Sulmona, a city in Abruzzo.

Homeland of the poet Ovid, famous all over the world for the centuries-old tradition of sugared almonds,Sulmonais a picturesque town in Abruzzo nestled in the heart ofPeligna Valley, at the foot of the Maiella National Park.

It is said that the origins of Sulmona date back to the times of Troy and that its name is linked to that ofSolim, one of Aeneas' companions. "City of Art and Love", Sulmona still seems to maintain an aura of grandeur and majesty.

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WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN SUMONA

The historic center of the city of Sulmona extends along viale Roosevelt and Corso Ovidio and is characterized by an oval shape that encloses all the main attractions inside. From the Fontana del Vecchio to the excursion to Roccaraso, here is a list of “things absolutely to do and see in Sulmona… and its surroundings”.

Cathedral of San Panfilo

Located in front of the green area of ​​Viale Roosevelt, the Cathedral of San Panfilo is one of the few examples ofhigh Middle agein Sulmona. According to legend, the Basilica was built on the ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to Apollo and Vesta. Due to fires and earthquakes, it was destroyed and rebuilt several times. In 1706, following a vow made by the people of Sulmona saved from the plague, the Chapel of San Panfilo, the patron saint of the city, was built. It is there that still today is areliquary containing the remains of the saint.

Santissima Annunziata

Located along Corso Ovidio, the Santissima Annunziata complex was founded in 1320 and, over the centuries, was a civil hospital, a public school and a museum. Today it houses themunicipal museums and the tourist office, as well as an imposing church dedicated to the Madonna. A curiosity? Both sacred and profane images are hidden on the ledge of the structure.

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Statue of Ovid

The famous poet was born in Sulmona on 20 March 43 BC into a wealthy family belonging to the equestrian class. With his verses and his poems (Amore and Ars Amatoria), Ovid made many Roman matrons fall in love, including Livia, the wife of the emperor Octavian. However, the true masterpiece was the Metamorphoses, which gave Ovid immortality. In honor of him, in Piazza XX Settembre, the people of Sulmona have erected a statue.

Old Fountain

Among the best things to see in Sulmona stands out the Fontana del Vecchio, one of the most important Renaissance testimonies of the city. Located in front of the Medieval Aqueduct, the Fontana del Vecchio takes its name from the "bearded head” located in the upper bezel. It is said that it represents Solimo, the mythical friend of Aeneas, founder of the city.

READ ALSO:The Trans-Siberian of Italy, from Sulmona one way

Medieval aqueduct

Built in 1256 during the reign of King Manfredi, the aqueduct surrounds Piazza Garibaldi and seems to represent an impassable border of the historic center of Sulmona. An advice?

Port of Naples

It is one of the historic gates of the city, so called precisely because it faces the Neapolitan city. Near Porta Napoli is the Church of Santa Maria della Tromba, built over the ruins of a temple dedicated to Jupiter.

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Taste the confetti of Sulmona

The list of "things to do and see in Sulmona" certainly could not miss the reference to the centuries-old tradition of the production of sugared almonds. The history of this particular sweet from Sulmona has its roots in the distant fifteenth century.

Certificates as "Italian agri-food products", iSulmona sugared almondsthey are not just almonds disguised as small desserts… they are real masterpieces of art! Walking along the streets of the center you will find many colorful shops full of bouquets and flowers, rigorously made with sugared almonds, of the most varied shapes capable of giving happiness just by looking at them.

Trans-Siberian of Italy

At the top of the list of "things to do and see in Sulmona" is the experience of the Trans-Siberian railway in Italy. Not everyone knows that, every Sunday morning, the historic train of the Trans-Siberian of Italy leaves from the central station of the city, the ancient railway that united the regions of Abruzzo and Molise through a picturesquearticulated path between the high peaks of the Maiella Park. Thanks to the LeRotaie association and the FS Foundation, today it is possible to sit on one of those old carriages and relive the magical adventure.I tell you about it in detail HERE.

What to see around Sulmona: Roccaraso

Located at the foot of the Cinquemiglia plateau, Roccaraso is a highly sought-after destination for skiers, snow lovers and trekking and nature enthusiasts. The plants of theAlto Sangrothey are among the most touristic in the whole Apennines and the Neapolitans themselves consider Roccaraso the quintessential ski homeland. Betweenthings to do and see around Sulmona, a few-day excursion to the picturesque town of Roccaraso in L'Aquila is practically a must… both in winter and in summer! Beyond the snow, in fact, there are many attractions and things you can do in these areas. Among the main places not to be missed are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, theHermitage of the Madonna della Portella, the Theater and the Churches of San Rocco and San Bernardino.

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Easter in Sulmona with the "Madonna running away"

Sulmona is highly recommended at all times of the year but there are some where tradition meets folklore and everything seems even more magical. Easter undoubtedly falls within one of these moments. The rite of the "Madonna who runs away" is repeated every year on Easter Sunday and is onenarrative re-enactment of the encounter between the Mother of Jesus and the Risen Christ.

It all begins when the statue of the Madonna, dressed in black and with a handkerchief in hand, is taken out of the Cchurch of Santa Maria della Tomba. Once she spots her Risen son in the distance, the Madonna begins her run to embrace him. During the agitated moments, the Virgin Mary loses the black mantle of mourning and shows herself in aspring green dress, while twelve doves soar towards the sky…