The best running trails around Penna Sant'Andrea

Church of San Domenico – Gothic serenity and ancient frescoes ⛪ Anyone who loves authentic medieval architecture should not miss the Church of San Domenico. This robust brick church from the 14th and 15th centuries forms a beautiful contrast with the richly decorated churches of Teramo. Inside, you are welcomed by an impressive, high church space with pointed Gothic arches and a characteristic wooden roof structure. The sober appearance allows the ancient frescoes to come into their own even better. Highlights include the 14th-century paintings by Luca d'Atri, which offer a particularly insightful glimpse into medieval religious art. Adjacent to the church is the former Dominican monastery, which today serves as the State Archives of Teramo. Tip: Be sure to step inside to admire the beautiful Gothic atmosphere and the historical frescoes. A quiet, often undiscovered place where you can still fully experience medieval Teramo.

Archaeological site Largo Sant'Anna – a journey through 2,000 years of history Hidden beneath a modern steel and glass structure, Largo Sant'Anna reveals the historical heart of ancient Interamnia Praetuttiorum (modern-day Teramo). Here, different time layers literally lie on top of each other. Admire the remains of a luxurious Roman domus from the 1st century BC, complete with a peristyle, water basin, black and white mosaic floors, and colourful frescoes. Above them are the foundations of the early Christian cathedral Santa Maria Aprutiensis, which was destroyed by the Normans in 1156. The absolute highlight is the Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Pompetti: a modest medieval church that was the only one to survive the destruction and is probably the oldest surviving church building in the Abruzzo region. Inside, centuries-old frescoes and early Christian building remains can still be admired. A fascinating place where the transition from a Roman city to a medieval Christian centre is uniquely visible.

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.

Today's church: The Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Pompetti is much more than a historical church today. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, it provides an atmospheric setting for concerts, exhibitions, readings, and music exams from the Conservatorio Gaetano Braga. During the summer, this special location comes to life with cultural events and performances within the ancient walls. If you're lucky and the doors are open, be sure to step inside – the combination of history, music, and atmosphere makes this a hidden gem of Teramo.

Historical context: the Chiesa di Sant'Anna dei Pompetti is the oldest church in Teramo and a hidden treasure for history lovers. This modest brick church is the only remaining part of the city's first cathedral, which was destroyed by the Normans in 1156. Inside, you literally walk through the centuries: Roman marble columns, 12th-century frescoes, and Byzantine foundations together tell the impressive story of Teramo's origins. A small church with a surprisingly large past, close to the archaeological site of Largo Sant'Anna and the Torre Bruciata.

Very scenic. The only flaw is that there are often tents to put it back in place, so you may not always be able to see it. In all other cases it is very suggestive.

how wonderful 😍