The best traffic-free bike rides around Penna Sant'Andrea

Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie – A church awaiting its rebirth Anyone visiting the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie today will see a church completely encased in scaffolding. However, behind this temporary covering, hard work is underway for the future of one of Teramo's most important religious monuments. The restoration work became necessary due to structural damage the church has sustained over the years, particularly after the severe earthquakes that struck Abruzzo, including the earthquakes of 2016. With extensive repair work and seismic reinforcements (miglioramento sismico), the centuries-old building is not only being restored but also better protected against future earthquakes. The planned reopening is currently scheduled for September 8, 2026. On that day, the sanctuary will be festively reopened with a procession and a special Eucharistic celebration. Tip: Even during the restoration, this place is worth a visit. The historical surroundings, the adjacent monastery, and the centuries-old art treasures clearly show why this sanctuary is so important to Teramo. For prayer and services, the temporary chapel next to the church is currently being used.

Palazzo di Città – Where Teramo has been governed for centuries The historic town hall of Teramo is much more than a beautiful building. Behind the facade lies a history dating back to the 14th century. The medieval foundations are still visible, while the upper floor was given a new look in the 19th century. Be sure to take a look at the magnificent Loggia del Parlamento, the open arcade where citizens and city administrators gathered for centuries to deliberate, administer justice, and make important decisions. This was the political heart of Teramo. 💡 Hidden gem: Also take a walk under the arches into the central hall. Dozens of authentic Roman tombstones, inscriptions, and reliefs are embedded in the walls. This is how Teramo's first Lapidarium came into being: a special open-air museum within the town hall itself. Even the famous historian and Nobel Prize winner Theodor Mommsen came to Teramo specifically to study this unique collection of Roman monuments.

Palazzo di Città – Where Teramo has been governed for centuries At the atmospheric Piazza Orsini, right next to the cathedral, stands the historic Palazzo di Città. This building has been the administrative heart of Teramo since the 14th century. Behind the 19th-century facade, the medieval structure still lies hidden, making the palace a beautiful example of the city's rich history. Be sure to take a look at the elegant Loggia del Parlamento, the open arcaded gallery where citizens and city officials once gathered to administer justice, make decisions, and organize the market. The daily life of Teramo was shaped here for centuries. Fun fact: Step into the central hall as well. In the walls, you'll find a special lapidarium: dozens of authentic Roman gravestones, inscriptions, and reliefs are literally embedded there. Even the famous historian and Nobel laureate Theodor Mommsen came to Teramo specifically to study this unique collection of Roman monuments. A hidden piece of history that many visitors pass by unnoticed.

Did you know – The bell tower that has defied the earth for centuries Just for the impressive bell tower, a visit to the cathedral is worthwhile. At 50 meters high, it has dominated the skyline of Teramo for centuries. The tower was built in three phases: the robust square base dates from the 12th century, the middle section from the 14th century, and the elegant octagonal spire was added in 1493. Even more impressive is its hidden strength. Thanks to walls over 2.5 meters thick and an increasingly lighter structure towards the top, the tower can move during earthquakes. While the ground shakes, the tower "wobbles" along without losing its stability. That ingenious medieval craftsmanship has ensured that it has withstood numerous severe earthquakes for over five centuries. A beautiful example of how history, architecture, and engineering come together.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the monumental heart of Teramo and an absolute must-see. This impressive cathedral was built after the destruction of the old cathedral in 1156 and grew over the centuries into a unique interplay of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Inside, be sure to notice the many Roman columns and marble reliefs, originating from the nearby Roman theatre and amphitheatre. A visit to the Duomo is a journey through almost two thousand years of history and one of the highlights of a walk through Teramo.

The Statua di Sor Paolo Proconsole is undoubtedly the most peculiar monument in Teramo. This ancient Roman statue, embedded in a facade on Largo Proconsole, is known as the 'voice of the people'. For centuries, residents placed anonymous notes with criticism, mockery, and humor in Sor Paolo's open hand, so that everyone could read his "message" the next morning. A kind of medieval social network, long before social media existed. Take a good look at the statue too: the Roman body and the much younger head form a striking combination that gives Sor Paolo his unique appearance. A nice and surprising stop during your walk through Teramo!

What can you see today? The Teatro Romano di Teramo is today an impressive archaeological site where the past is gradually being uncovered. From street level, you look three meters down at the ancient arches, the stage, and the orchestra area of this Roman theatre. Excavation and restoration work are in full swing, allowing you to witness a unique piece of living history. In a few years, this monument should once again become the setting for open-air performances and concerts – a visit now lets you experience the restoration up close.

The Roman Theatre of Teramo takes you back to the time of the mighty Roman Interamnia. This impressive theatre from the reign of Emperor Augustus once seated around 3,000 spectators. After the fall of the Roman Empire, parts of the theatre disappeared into the city walls, including the nearby cathedral, and the rest remained hidden underground for centuries. Today, you can admire one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Abruzzo – a place where almost 2,000 years of history come back to life.