Sulmona: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Abruzzo

Good morning and welcome once again to the Flavor of Italy Podcast! Today I want to share with you a town that is often overlooked by travelers but is an absolute gem—Sulmona, in the heart of Abruzzo.

Before we dive in, a quick thank you to everyone who responded to the Flavor of Italy survey! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and one thing that came through loud and clear is that you all want to hear more about off-the-beaten-path destinations—which is exactly what today’s episode is all about. Many of you also expressed interest in the Abruzzo and Molise regions, so this episode is just the beginning of what I’ll be sharing on these fascinating areas!

This past weekend, my travel buddy Vera and I took a road trip to Molise, exploring its charming towns, delicious food, and incredible wines. I’ll share more about that adventure in a future episode, but on our way back to Rome, we decided to swing by Sulmona for the day. This town has been on my radar for a while, thanks to my conversations with Teresa Forcina, who has family ties to Sulmona, and my friend Domenica Marchetti, a prolific cookbook author with deep roots in Abruzzo.

So today, let’s explore Sulmona, Abruzzo’s rich history, stunning architecture, culinary delights, and unique traditions—all the things that make this town a must-visit destination!

Getting to Sulmona, Abruzzo

Sulmona is well-connected to major cities like Rome and Pescara, making it an easy and rewarding detour from Italy’s more frequented tourist spots.

By Train

One of the most scenic ways to reach Sulmona, Abruzzo is by train. The journey from Rome takes approximately 2.5 hours and winds through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Daily schedules can be found on Trenitalia. From Pescara Centrale, the train ride is just about an hour.

By Bus

The quickest way to reach Sulmona from Rome is by bus, which takes around two hours. ARPA buses also connect Sulmona with Pescara and L’Aquila.

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By Car

Driving is the fastest way to reach Sulmona abruzzo, with the journey from Rome taking about 1.5 hours along the Autostrada A25 (Roma–Pescara). The roads are well-maintained, and traffic is usually light. From Pescara, the drive is less than one hour.

Parking Tip: Avoid parking in the old town to avoid fines. Instead, use the parking lot next to the fire station (Vigili del Fuoco), just a short walk from the historic center.

Exploring Sulmona Abruzzo’s Historic Center

Sulmona’s old town is a delightful mix of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, offering a blend of history and modern charm. The pedestrian-friendly Corso Ovidio is lined with artisan shops, cafes, and historical sites, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Must-See Landmarks

• Cattedrale di San Panfilo – Founded in 1075, this cathedral has undergone centuries of architectural transformation due to earthquakes.
• Piazza XX Settembre – A lively square featuring a bronze statue of Sulmona’s most famous son, Ovid.
• Piazza Garibaldi – The town’s largest square, home to a Baroque fountain and a bustling market on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
• Palazzo Annunziata – A grand Renaissance palace housing a museum dedicated to Sulmona’s Roman history.
• Aqueduct of Sulmona – Built in 1256, this stunning medieval structure is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
• Santa Chiara Monastery – Home to a Museum of Modern Art and a unique collection of embroidered priestly garments.

Sulmona’s Culinary Delights

Aglio Rosso di Sulmona

Sulmona Abruzzo is famous for its Aglio Rosso (red garlic), a sweet and less bitter variety that chefs prize for its unique flavor.

Confetti: The Town’s Sweetest Tradition

Sulmona is the undisputed confetti capital of Italy. These colorful, candy-coated almonds have been made here since the 1300s and are a staple at Italian weddings and celebrations.

Visit the Pelino Confetti Factory

The Pelino Confetti Factory, established in 1783, continues to produce these sweet delicacies using traditional methods. The Museum of the Art & Technology of Confectionery, housed within the factory, offers fascinating insights into Sulmona’s confectionery heritage.

Best Places to Eat in Sulmona Abruzzo

• Jamm’mo – A cozy spot on Corso Ovidio, where Vera and I enjoyed delicious eggplant parmesan and paccheri pasta with Abruzzese tomato and yellow pepper sauce.

• Hostaria dell’Arco (Via Manlio D'Eramo, 60) – This spot came highly recommended by locals. Reservations are a must! +39 0864-210553

• Cantina Di Biffi (Via Barbato, 1) – Excellent food and a wide selection of local wines.
• Il Vecchio Muro Ristorante Pizzeria (Via Manlio D'Eramo, 20bis) – A casual but delicious option.

Where to Stay in Sulmona

• La Dimora (Corso Ovidio, 238) ☏ +39 0864 567759 – A charming and centrally located guesthouse.
• Hotel Rojan (Via degli Agghiacciati, 15) ☏ +39 0864 950126 – A cozy four-star hotel with wonderful hospitality.
• Hotel Stella Enoteca Bono (Via Mazara, 18) ☏ +39 0864 52653 – Located inside the medieval walls, featuring a restaurant serving local wines.

Plan Your Visit

For additional travel information and assistance, contact the Sulmona Tourist Office, located inside the Annunziata di Sulmona building on Corso Ovidio. +39 0864 210216

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Flavor of Italy Podcast-inspired travel guide! Have you visited Sulmona before? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences. You can reach me at wendy@flavorofitaly.com or follow along for more Italian travel inspiration on Instagram @flavorofitaly.

More about Sulmona and the Abruzzo Region

Domenica Marchetti and Abruzzo Food
The unexplored little known region Abruzzo food, and a special cheese producer
Spaghetti alla Chitarra
Abruzzo Wine