The best cycling routes around Notaresco

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.

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.

Avoid during peak sea hours but convenient for avoiding city traffic... use it calmly

The Porta Reale, invariably called Porta Madonna by the inhabitants of Teramo, is a historic city gate and an important landmark in the city. The gate forms the direct entrance to the street that leads to the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie. Some facts: Built for a royal visit. The gate was erected in the first half of the 19th century (partially rebuilt in 1825) as an arch of triumph. This was specifically intended to ceremoniously welcome King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies of the House of Bourbon to the city. Two names: The official name is Porta Reale (Royal Gate). However, the locals always call it Porta Madonna, due to its direct proximity to the sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. Medieval foundations: Although its current appearance is 19th-century, the gate stands on the site of a much older, medieval city gate. Those who look closely can still see some scarce remains of the old medieval city wall next to the gate. Strategic junction: Today, the gate marks the transition from modern Teramo to the historic center. It forms the starting point of the Corso De Michetti, the atmospheric axis that leads you deeper into the old city.

The Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie is one of the most beloved religious buildings in the Italian city of Teramo. This sanctuary is dedicated to the city's patron saint. Some facts: originally a women's monastery: The complex began in the 12th century as a Benedictine monastery for nuns, then known as Sant'Angelo delle Donne. Transferred to Franciscans: Pope Eugene IV transferred the complex to the Friars Minor (Franciscans) in 1448.

Cathedral with ceramic plates! On Piazza Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta will surely catch your eye immediately. If you look closely, you will see that the tower of the Gothic cathedral from 1300 is decorated with ceramic plates in various colors, which change throughout the day with the position of the sun. Incidentally, the shape of the tower, an octagon with a pyramid on top, is unique for the time when the cathedral was built. The funny thing is that you also see this reflected in other churches in Atri and in other villages and towns in Abruzzo. The story goes that the architect of the cathedral applied it here first, after which the idea was adopted by other builders. Underground church and water reservoirs Around 300 BC, on the spot where the cathedral now stands, there was a large square with baths and reservoirs underneath to store rainwater. Only then was the cathedral built on top of it, after which the reservoirs were converted into an underground church. Triggered? Want to know more, click through to https://ciaotutti.nl/reizen-door-italie/abruzzen/atri-een-levendige-stad-vol-geschiedenis/

Nice route for walking or cycling. Sharing the path, each at their own pace. Historical context: this beautiful pine forest was planted from 1923 onwards by the visionary Luigi Corrado Filiani and even gave the town its name. Today you walk in the shade of thousands of umbrella pines, with the Adriatic Sea always nearby. A quiet and atmospheric route where nature, history and coastal experience come together perfectly.