A unique landscape forged by thousands of years of erosion that made this a spontaneous work of land art. The valley is also rich in art towns like Atri, and offers fine food and wine.
A Valley of Abbeys
Along the banks of the Vomano several abbeys are worth visiting, either on a long walking or cycling tour. The works of art and architecture are dotted across the area, as far as the foothills.
The most important are:
Abbey of Santa Maria di Propezzano – Notaresco
Provincial Road SP22c, 64020 Notaresco (Teramo).
Between Morro d’Oro and Notaresco, this Benedictine abbey is situated in open countryside. A “Holy Door” is set on the left of the porch, which occupies the central part of the façade.
Abbey of San Clemente al Vomano – Guardia Vomano
Via San Clemente, 64024 Guardia Vomano.
Not far from the village of Guardia Vomano, this Benedictine monastic complex, built in 874, is home to a majestic Romanesque ciborium.
Atri
The town of Atri is built on three hills overlooking the sea and the typical badlands, a geomorphological phenomenon that sculpted these slopes over thousands of years. The natural art that surrounds the town seems to beckon visitors towards its other artistic riches. The architectural works and paintings found in Atri date to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is particularly charming, with 1400s frescoes by Andrea De Litio.