Let’s discover Francavilla al Mare
Positioned on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, Francavilla al Mare is a delightful town appreciated for both seaside and cultural tourism. It is the gateway to the Maiella Park and the Costa dei Trabocchi and is an excellent starting point for those who want to visit the main beauties and the most characteristic places of Abruzzo.
One thing is certain, in Francavilla al Mare you certainly never get bored: there is always something to do and see.
It has a rich past but it was not until 1873 that it became a renowned holiday resort, when the first bathing establishment was built. At the end of the nineteenth century it also became a point of reference for Italian and international culture thanks to the young but already successful painter Francesco Paolo Michetti, who created a real artistic and literary cenacle frequented by prominent figures of the caliber of Gabriele D’Annunzio and Francesco Paolo Tosti.
The city is divided into two parts: an ancient one, developed on a small hill, which has some artistically remarkable buildings; and a modern one, which develops along the sea and is mainly composed of small villas and large hotels.
Francavilla is defined the “pearl of the Adriatic” for the beauty of its beaches bathed by clear and crystalline waters. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most popular destinations for Italian and foreign tourists who want to spend unforgettable holidays by the sea. It offers countless opportunities for relaxation and fun for both families and young people. The coast is full of bathing establishments equipped with all the necessary services to make the most of a sunny day. Moreover, with its shallow waters and fine sand it is the ideal destination for those traveling with children.
As evidence of the fact that its beaches are among the cleanest and most beautiful in Italy, it has been repeatedly awarded the Blue Flag, the prestigious award assigned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to places that meet certain quality criteria.
The city is also particularly rich in green areas where you can relax, stroll, take the children to play, read a book or practice physical activity. Scattered practically throughout the municipal area, they are places to live and explore.
And among these are the parks of Piazza IV Novembre, in the heart of Viale Nettuno; Piazza Ennio Flaiano, in the Villanesi district; Piazza Mediterraneo, in the north of the city adjacent to Viale Alcione; Valle Anzuca Park, which runs along the bed of the Alento river; and the central gardens, a few meters from Piazza Serena.
Crystal clear sea, beaches, sun, nature but not only … in fact Francavilla al Mare is also a beautiful medieval village that has preserved various testimonies of its past. In the heart of the upper town is the monumental Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as San Franco in honor of the city’s patron saint. The original building, dating back to the 15th century, was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1957 based on a project by Ludovico Quaroni. What is striking is the splendid decoration of the facade, by the sculptor Pietro Cascella. A few steps from the church stands the famous Convent Michetti, a former Franciscan convent of the fifteenth century which in the eighties of the nineteenth century was transformed by Francesco Paolo Michetti into a meeting and cultural exchange center. The Church of Santa Maria del Gesù is part of the architectural complex, built in the fifteenth century but remodeled in the eighteenth century, which preserves some noteworthy frescoes.
Among the other religious buildings we highlight: the Church of Santa Liberata, patron saint of sailors and activities related to the sea, in honor of which on the days of April 30 and May 1 there is a great party that reaches its climax with a procession at sea; the Church of San Bernardino, dating back to the 18th century, with a late Baroque style facade and a small but harmonious interior with classic shapes; and the ruins of the Church of San Francesco, which was destroyed during the war and of which the sacristy and a small part of the transept remain. Next to San Francesco stands the high Ciarrapico Tower, built in the seventeenth century and crowned by a loggia that offers a suggestive view of the sea and surrounding hills.
The center of the city’s summer life is Piazza Sirena, overlooked by Palazzo Sirena, a symbol of the tourist-seaside vocation of Francavilla al Mare. The building was inaugurated in 1888 although over the years it has been enlarged and renovated several times. It is currently the seat of congresses and cultural events. On the back of the building is the Pontile Sirena, perfect for a pleasant summer walk and to admire the fires on the sea on the occasion of the patronal feast of San Franco on 18 August. Also worth a visit is the Michetti Museum, set up in Palazzo San Domenico and inside which you can admire works of contemporary art, including two large canvases by Francesco Paolo Michetti.
Choosing Francavilla al Mare for your holidays also allows you to enjoy the tasty Abruzzo cuisine, which is based on simple ingredients of the peasant, pastoral and maritime tradition. The fish soup, stuffed cuttlefish, sheep skewers, potato gnocchi and macaroni alla chitarra, ideal with both fish and meat-based sauces, are absolutely worth trying. A good glass of wine can never be missing at the table. Famous are Montepulciano, Trebbiano, Pecorino and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. Finally, among the gastronomic specialties we cannot forget the delicious ice cream. Among the ice cream parlors not to be missed we recommend: Tennis Bar, the legendary “Professore” ice cream parlor, in Piazza Sirena; and Il Gelatone in Viale Alcione.
