Pescara - A Trip to the Mountains

On our last day in Pescara, Fabio took the afternoon off to take us on a trip into the nearby mountains where he likes to ski and hike - the Majella National Park.  

We had limited time so this was a blitz trip through some spectacular sights!!!

These huts were built and used mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries to shelter the shepherds and lambs; stone pens were also built to protect the flocks at night.  There huts are considered national historical treasures.

Hermitage of Santo Spirito

Santo Spirito, sits at 3300 feet above sea level and  is surrounded by thick beech woods which hide the ancient paths followed by the monks that would have visited the nearby villages and the Majelletta.

Here  Brother Pietro Angelieri was a hermit in 1250, and built an oratorium and a number of cells inside the rocks.

 

 The church is the original entrance to the hermitage - which is actually carved into the rock. 

Wow

 Troughs - probably used to water the large flocks that shepherds would move through the mountains to pasture.

 

The building was closed - leaving us wondering ...

The white in the mountains is not snow - but the rock which is natural in the area.

 

We crossed the mountain range where the top of a ski area is located ...

 

 ... with a large water trough for the flocks ... lots of hoof prints ... and other signs ...

 

It felt like being on top of the world!!!

 

Clouds came up the mountain as we began our descent.

 

Then Fabio took us to a medieval village ...

Crazy!!!

 

 

 

 We park the cars and walk UP.

Church from the front.

Stairs and alley ways would sometimes connect lower roads to the upper roads - or lead to dead-ends.

The road slopes toward the middle.

There is no grass.

No picking up after dogs or cats ... watch your step ...

 

 Another church - at the top.

 

 A more modern house.

 

 This is a road - yes there were cars - tiny cars.

 Chimney
 

 
On one side - built into the mountain ...

... the other side ... crazy view ...

 Roof Tiles



It began to sprinkle as we made our way back down the - Ilenya pulled an umbrella from her purse - a pregnant Italian Mama is always prepared.

Back to the cars then home for dinner ... the end of another day in Italy.

Our time in Pescara was wonderful.
Fabio, Ilenya and Vittoria were such a joy to meet and get to know.

Ilenya is a cousin on Santo's mom's side.  She is originally from Sicily - where we will meet more cousins in a few weeks.

Ilenya patiently introduced us to the Italian culture, gelato for breakfast ... "why not" and spent many hours interpreting at the TIM store - gotta have an Italian sim card!

Next stop ... Porto San Giorgio ...