Photo by Exephyo. Located along the Adriatic coast, near the mouth of the Aterno river, Pescara is one of the most populous municipalities facing the sea in Abruzzo. Despite the fairly modern aspect, the city would seem to have been known and frequented at least since the first millennium BC (date in which the first settlements of the area would date back): this makes Pescara a very important historical-cultural center , to which they were linked during the time personality of the caliber of Gabriele D’Annunzio (originally from Pescara).
If you’ve never been there, we absolutely advise you to fix it, as well as reading this article to find out which are the main attractions to see in the city during a weekend,the best restaurants in which to taste local specialties and where to spend the post dinner .

What to see in Pescara

1 – Cathedral of San Cetteo
Photo by Luca Aless. The Cathedral of Pescara or Cathedral of San Cetteoit was built in 1949, partly thanks to the constant insistence of the decadent writer Gabriele D’Annunzio (so much so that the remains of D’Annunzio’s mother still rest inside the building today). The structure has a rectangular plan with three naves, and inside there are some valuable works including the San Francesco del Guercino. The peculiarity of the Cathedral, however, is its external facade which contains the architectural features typical of the Fascist period: the facade, in white stone, is square and very simple, with three rose windows, three doors and the statue of the saint in a central position. On the side, moreover, a small bell tower stands out.

  • How to get there: the Cathedral is located in via Attilio Montoni. Starting from the city council, you can get there in less than 10 minutes: first by crossing the river, and then along via dei Bastioni. From the station instead and always straight ahead, following via Alcide de Gasperi up to the river and then to Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, you will arrive in about 15 minutes on foot. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible (the hours of masses on weekends are as follows: 8.00 – 10.00 – 11.30 – 18.00)
  • Ticket cost: Free

2 – Church of the Sacred Heart (Sanctuary of Divine Mercy)
Photo by Luca Aless. Built in the city center, it is a church built in neo-Romanesque style with a beautiful facing of exposed brick on the facade, as well as a large rose window located above the main entrance (a round portal, richly decorated with small stones of golden mosaic). On the sides of the door, two oblong windows are more reminiscent of the Gothic style for the reference to long and narrow shapes / lines, although the interior is undoubtedly neo-Romanesque: the three naves in fact have cross vaults, while the windows are made with polychrome glass .

  • How to get there: getting to the Church of the Sacred Heart is very simple due to its central location. From the train station, for example, you simply need to walk along via Umberto I for about 4 minutes. From the Municipality, on the other hand, you are separated by about 13 minutes on foot along via Firenze. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible (Mass times: 7.30 – 9.30 – 18.00)
  • Ticket cost: Free

3 – Basilica of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows
Source: wikipedia. The Basilica of the Madonna dei Sette Dolori is dedicated to a legend of the sixteenth century, according to which the Madonna appeared to some shepherds who grazed the flocks and then soon after resolved the problem of the drought that had hit the region hard. The uniqueness of this religious building lies in the fact that it combines two completely different architectural styles , the baroque with the neoclassical: this is due to the fact that the construction of the basilica, which began in the seventeenth century, ended only in the late eighteenth century, when the style architectural in vogue had become the neoclassical.

  • How to get there: the Basilica is located a little out of the way compared to the historic center of Pescara (in fact it takes almost 40 minutes on foot!); that’s why, if you don’t feel like taking such a long walk, we recommend that you take the car that will take you to your destination in less than 10 minutes, following the E80. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

4 – Piazza della Rinascita
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. Also called Piazza Salotto, Piazza della Rinascita and certainly the heart of the historic center of Pescara. It has always been the hub of city life and its main manifestations, and perhaps the best starting point to discover Pescara and its major attractions, but it is also an excellent place to stop for a break, watching the people go by while eating an ice cream or sipping a coffee. Built in previous years, the square was actually redesigned by local architects in the early 2000s, who tried to improve its livability even more.

  • How to get there: the square is not far from the Florida Park; from the Municipality, on foot it takes about 15 minutes following via Firenze; from the station, on the other hand, proceed straight on through Corso Umberto I and you will arrive at your destination in less than 10 minutes. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

5 – Casa D’Annunzio
Photo of Ra Boe. In this building built at the end of the eighteenth century, the writer Gabriele D’Annunzio was born there on a spring day in 1863. Located in Corso Manthone, this house seems quite recognizable for the bourgeois style that already transpires from the outside. Inside, on the other hand, Casa D’Annunzio has hosted since 1993 a rather varied collection of documents, clothes, works of art, photographs related to the first period of the writer’s life (mainly the one spent in Pescara). If you are in the city and you love literature, but even if you are not, despite the fact that this character has always intrigued you, this is a very interesting gem that we advise you not to miss.

  • How to get there: Casa D’Annunzio is located quite close to the Cathedral of San Cetteo, on the other side of the river. To get there, starting from the Municipality it takes less than 10 minutes on foot, crossing and then skirting the river along Corso Manthone; from the station instead it takes 15 minutes. Get directions
  • Hours: every day, from 8.30 to 19.30
  • Ticket price: the entrance ticket costs € 4.00 per person. Reduced € 2.00.

6 – Ponte del Mare
Photo by Exephyo. Among the main monuments-symbols of the most modern Pescara, the Ponte del Mare is one of the most significant: on the opposite side from the Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti, the Ponte del Mare (also accessible by bicycles) has a sinuous shape, designed by the Tyrolean architect Pichler, which allows the connection between the two rivieras of Pescara. From the top of its structure you can see the Pescara River that flows into the sea, the city beach but also the Trabocchi area and the nearby Ferris wheel. If you are looking for a good spot to take some original shots , we suggest you take this bridge into consideration during your possible itinerary.

  • How to get there: From the station, we advise you to follow in the direction of the city municipality, and then skirt the Pescara River until you reach its mouth and the nearby bridge. All in less than half an hour. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

7 – Museum of the Sea
Not far from the spectacular bridge, there is a very interesting Museum of the Sea , suitable for both adults and children. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the sea and all its inhabitants, but also to the fundamental role that the sea has had in the development of human life in the area surrounding Pescara. Inside, you can in fact find vintage photos and equipment used by the very first fishermen, as well as remains of sea turtles, shells of different sizes and skeletons of large cetaceans , such as the fin whale and the sperm whale.

  • How to get there: From Ponte del Mare, follow via Paolucci for about 300 meters and you will arrive at your destination. Get directions
  • Hours: open all day, only on weekends
  • Ticket price: the ticket costs € 3.00, reduced € 2.00.

8 – Nave di Cascella
Photo by Luca Aless. Commissioned by the city municipality to the artist Pietro Cascella with the aim of embellishing the seafront and the surrounding area, considered the most modern and lively in the city, the Nave di Cascella is a beautiful sculpture made of travertine marble which was inaugurated in July 1987 . Exposed for a few months at Piazza Santa Croce in Florence, the sculpture is now located at Largo Mediterraneo and is easily recognizable: the shape, rather simple but effective, recalls a rowboat in reference to the close relationship with the sea that gives it has always characterized the city of Pescara, but also the Pescara prisoners of the Bourbon Bath who were forced to row ships until 1860.

  • How to get there: the sculpture is located near the gardens of Piazza I Maggio (from the Town Hall it can be reached in just over 17 minutes on foot; from the station follow Corso Umberto I and arrive in 10 minutes). Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

9 – Trabocchi
Along the Porto Canale di Pescara, you can see some bizarre-looking wooden buildings: they are the Trabocchi , or old wooden buildings similar to stilts, built for fishing in the open sea without having to resort to the use of boats of any genre. Obviously the Trabocchi of Pescara today have lost their primary role, however it is an important testimony of the past that is worth admiring up close (they are not only found in Pescara, but there are several examples scattered throughout the Abruzzo coast) .

  • How to get there: the Trabocchi area of ​​Pescara is located on the seafront, on the opposite bank from the Ponte del Mare. From the historic center, it will take you less than half an hour on foot following the course of the river; take the opportunity to take some nice pictures! Get directions
  • Opening hours: the Trabocchi di Pescara can be visited for the most part only from the outside, however some of them have been transformed into restaurants or clubs, which offer fish-based cuisine or aperitifs (if you want to dine or have lunch in an overflow, and absolutely reservation required).

10 – Pescara beach
After having talked for so long about the sea, boats and fishermen, we can’t help but advise you to dedicate some time during your stay in Pescara also to beach life . Of course, the city beach is always quite crowded since Pescara is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Abruzzo, but you can indulge in a few hours to soak in the water or relax under an umbrella! Good fun!

  • How to get there: From the train station as well as from the Municipality, you can reach the beach in half an hour’s walk. The beach is close to the tourist port and the Trabocchi area. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

Pescara itinerary in one day
By now you have understood that walking itineraries are among our favorites, especially when you have only one day to spend in a city. Pescara is a perfect destination to experience on foot: this is why we have prepared an itinerary for you to follow, very convenient if you arrive in the city by train.

Morning : Leaving the station, head immediately towards the Church of the Sacred Heart , the second most important religious building in the city. In its vicinity, there is one of the best cafes in Pescara, the Excelsior Cafeteria, very popular with locals. After a hearty breakfast (and a quick visit to the church if you feel like it), it’s time to take a stroll in the direction of the Pescara River, with the aim of arriving at the famous Cathedral of San Cetteo in about twenty minutes. From here, it will not be difficult to move towards Casa D’Annunzio , an interesting collection of documents and testimonies related to the writer’s life.

Afternoon : time flies when you’re having fun, and in the blink of an eye it’s time for lunch. Fortunately, not far from Casa D’Annunzio, is Trattoria 58, an ideal place to taste some local dishes. After your meal, take a relaxing stroll along the river towards the marina. In this area, you will find some of the main attractions of Pescara including the small but fascinating Museum of the Sea , the Ponte del Mare and the area occupied by the romantic Trabocchi . After a lot of walking, you can enjoy some time in Pescara beach , basking in the sun and letting yourself be lulled by the sound of the sea.

Evening : The time of sunset has arrived. After admiring the sun setting over the sea, walk along the seafront towards the Nave di Cascella , a symbol of the city. In its surroundings, theLamaje restaurant is just for you: the menu based on fish dishes and Mediterranean delicacies will certainly not disappoint you.

One day itinerary at a glance

  1. Church of the Sacred Heart – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
  2. Cathedral of San Cetteo – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
  3. Casa D’Annunzio – opening hours: every day, from 8.30 to 19.30 – ticket price: full € 4.00 reduced € 2.00
  4. Lunch at Taverna 58 (Get directions)
  5. Museo del Mare – opening hours: always accessible on weekends – ticket price: full € 3.00 reduced € 2.00
  6. Ponte del Mare – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
  7. Trabocchi – opening hours: accessible only from the outside (some have become restaurants)
  8. Pescara beach – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
  9. Cascella ship – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
  10. Dinner at Lamaje restaurant (Get directions)

Where to eat in Pescara

  • Taverna 58 : historic place where Abruzzo specialties are offered (with options for vegetarians)
    Average price per person: € 30.00
    Address and contacts: Corso Gabriele Manthone, 46 (Get directions) / tel: +39 085 690724
  • Arrosticini e Vini : restaurant for meat and barbecue lovers
    Average price per person: € 25.00 / 30.00
    Address and contacts: via Nazionale Adriatica, 61 (Get directions) / tel: +39 334 297 7228
  • Fish Market Bistro : restaurant specializing in fish dishes and Mediterranean cuisine, with an excellent choice of wines
    Average price per person: € 20.00
    Address and contacts: via Nicola Fabrizi, 234 (Get directions) / tel: +39 328 921 1449
  • Lamaje : restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and local flavors Average price per person: € 25.00
    Address and contacts: piazza Primo Maggio, 8 (Get directions) / tel: +39 085 422 7038
  • Locanda Da Pia : Homemade pasta and high quality fish dishes Average price per person: € 25.00
    Address and contacts: Piazza del Sacro Cuore, 35 (Get directions) / tel: +39 085 39465

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
In Pescara, you certainly won’t get bored in the evening … on the contrary! The city, partly because it is the seat of an important university center and partly because it is full of clubs and discos (many of them near the beach), offers a rather varied choice of evening activities, from simple but lively pubs to the most sophisticated. wine bars, not to mention clubs and discopubs where you can dance until late at night. We have selected 3 places that we consider unmissable to better enjoy the Pescara nightlife.

  • Pooka : a place that offers a wide selection of craft beers and Argentine meat specialties / Address: via Silvio Spaventa, 37 (Get directions) / Facebook page
  • Visaggio : restaurant specializing in aperitifs, with a large selection of cocktails and snacks / Address: via Clemente de Cesaris (Get directions) / Facebook page
  • Tortuga : cult disco of the place on the Montesilvano seafront, also equipped with a swimming pool for summer evenings and a restaurant area / Address: Via Aldo Moro, 21 (Get directions)
  • Mega Disco Dinner : large disco offering live music and disco events and the possibility of dinner / Address: Via Bologna, 1 (Get directions)
  • Jayson’s Irish Pub : historic place with a good selection of beers and spirits / Address: Viale G. Marconi, 283 (Get directions)

Plan your stay in Pescara: info and useful tips

  • How to get there: Just 15 km west of the city (10 minutes by car), there is the Abruzzo Airport served by several low cost airlines, including Ryanair. The airport is directly connected to the Pescara station by a bus service (travel time: 10 minutes, ticket price: € 1.50). Pescara station is located just west of the city center and is connected to the main cities of central and southern Italy thanks to the Frecciarossa, Intercity and regional trains.
    Pescara is just 18 minutes by car from Chieti, 54 minutes from Teramo, 1 hour from Vasto, 1 hour and 13 minutes from Ascoli Piceno, 2 hours from Rome, 2 hours from Foggia and 3 hours and 13 minutes from Naples.
  • Getting around : the city of Pescara is easily explored on foot, and this is by far the best way to discover all that the city has to offer. However, in case of need, an efficient public transport system (managed by the TPL company ) will allow you to easily reach every corner of Pescara you wish.
  • Where to park : if you arrive in Pescara by car, we recommend that you park at the facility where you are staying and continue on foot to explore the city. However, if your hotel does not have parking, in Pescara you will find plenty of them, especially in the area around the Canale, the Port and near via Antonelli. However, most of the car parks are paid, so we suggest that you carefully choose the hotel to stay in or arrive in Pescara by public transport and then move freely on foot.
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 30.00 per room – see the offers
  • What to see in the surrounding area : Francavilla al Mare (9km), Pineto (30km), Montesilvano (13km), Gran Sasso Natural Park (56km), Chieti (17km), Valle dell’Orfento Nature Reserve (59km), Vasto (80km) , Teramo (66km), Ascoli Piceno (97km), L’Aquila (107km), San Benedetto del Tronto (82km)
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