Snow-capped mountains meet the sea on the town’s bastions. Alanno is beautiful and rich in landmarks, like the Oratorio di Santa Maria delle Grazie, the towers outlining the hill’s gentle profile, the historical centre treasuring old dwellings, and the fruitful vineyards of the surroundings.
Alanno has one of the most picturesque historical centres in the Abruzzo mountains. This small town nestled on a hill is crisscrossed by streets and narrow roads (or rue and ruelle, as the locals call them) developing in a herringbone pattern. Alanno was founded before the year 1000.
Today, its historical centre retains the evocative atmosphere of times gone by. It was surrounded by walls, like any other Medieval town. Now, those walls are no longer there or have been incorporated into the town’s structure. Nevertheless, some vestiges remain, like the two square towers, one of which with characteristic merlons. A third tower belongs to the old Lombard fortress, built in the 9th century to protect the Casauria Abbey. The round tower is still intact and gives a good idea of the prominence and splendour of the castle, which is now destroyed.
In 1498, the Virgin Mary appeared to a few peasants asking them to build a church in her honour. The Church – Oratorio di Santa Maria delle Grazie – was completed in 1505. In Abruzzo, only one painter could honour the Virgin Mary’s request: Andrea de Litio, who was known for painting the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Atri. He magnificently frescoed the apse vaults of the small rural church, giving life to a gem that still warms the heart of every visitor.
Wine needs to be celebrated. The Grape Festival is a tradition that started in the early 1900s. It takes place in early October and strengthens the link between grape cultivation and Alanno.
For the occasion, Alanno becomes the theatre of parades, dances and quadrilles, and the picturesque grape stomping.
The Technical Institute for Agriculture Pietro Cuppari reflects and confirms Alanno’s agricultural vocation. It was established in the 1800s and combines tradition with innovation to enhance this land’s wine production.