Get ready for an unforgettable 24-hour adventure in Pennadomo, brought by local expert guide Jessica di Renzo! As the co-owner of the beautiful Pennadomo Climbing House with the best terrace in town, she’s a local guru on the best insider spots. Alongside co-founder and avid climber Stefano, Jessica can guide you where to go for some incredible climbing experiences that are suitable for your level. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or starting out, you’re in for a treat!

1. Pennadomo in 5 words!

Authentic, evocative, dizzying, traditional and total relaxation!

2. Which churches, museums, and galleries should a visitor to Pennadomo visit?

There are 3 churches in Pennadomo: Chiesa San Nicola, Chiesa San Lorenzo and Chiesa Sant’Antonio.  Each is worth dipping into to observe how much architecture, art and style within the town over the centuries.  The principal church of our patron Saint is San Lorenzo who we celebrate on the 10th of August.  The Perseid meteor shower associated with San Lorenzo is something special to watch from Pennadomo at this time of year!

3. Where is the best place to get a view?

La Croce is the highest point in the village with an incredible 360° panorama! Standing atop “A Croce” feels as if you are on the summit of a grand natural amphitheatre. The view stretches out in every direction, offering a breathtaking panorama that captures the real essence of the Abruzzo region. The iconic “Rock Blades” rise dramatically from the ground, their jagged forms etched by millennia of wind and water erosion. These geological marvels, unique to this corner of Italy, seem to defy gravity as they pierce the sky, a testament to nature’s relentless creativity.

Beyond the rocks, hills cascade down to the Sangro Valley, where patches of dense forest interspersed with cultivated fields, creating a tapestry of greens and golds. On a clear day, the shimmering expanse of Lake Bomba comes into view, its waters reflecting the sky like a giant mirror set amidst the hills. In the distance, the rugged peaks of the Apennines rise.

Turning southward, the horizon meets the shimmering coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the famous Costa dei Trabocchi. This stretch of coast, dotted with ancient fishing structures and sandy beaches, offers a glimpse of Italy’s maritime heritage. The juxtaposition of mountain, valley, and sea is a reminder of Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes, all accessible from this one, singular vantage point.

It’s also worth admiring the vista from Santa Maria Belvedere!

4. Which local dishes should someone try in Pennadomo?

We do love our traditional favourites, arrosticini, spaghetti alla chitarra con pallottine, sagne e fagioli, pizza fritta, pallotte cacio e ova, le ferratelle (sweet) and fiadone

5. Which great walks & cycle rides can you recommend?

The town has outstanding hiking, and cycling routes and all year round we offer the service of renting out the canoes/kayaks on Lake Bomba.  I particularly love the hike to the hidden waterfall in the Pennadomo Gorges, which is easily accessible and perfect for a short nature escape.  We have a guide who takes care of the packages we offer.

6. Where can you recommend to have an aperitivo (quality and for great views or atmosphere?)

For an apertivo with sparkly lights and a view try ‘Chiringuito’ which is open from March to the end of September, alternatively, Bar Snack da Peppino on the main street which is open all year round.

7. Recommendation of a local vineyard to visit or go for a tasting

Unfortunately, we don’t have an official cellar in Pennadomo for tasting local wines but there are plenty around Lago Bomba and a small drive away.

8. Can you recommend any budget or high-end restaurants in Pennadomo

‘Chiringuito’ does a great Roman Pinsa.  Bar Snack da Peppino on the main road is open conveniently all year round and the nearby Agriturismo L’Olimpo is always good.  Each establishment offers tasty alternative options for those with allergies and who are vegetarian.

9. Sagre and feste time of the year, if there is anything to highlight through the seasons to encourage people it is not just for the summer.

Each of our seasonal festivals adds a little bit of colour and fun to Pennadomo, we take them seriously and it’s  worth combining a visit to the town on any one of these dates

• 5th January ‘La Salsicciata
• 31st January Re-enactment in memory of Saint Anthonia Abate
• February/March carnival floats in the village
• April representation of the Passion of Christ
• 22nd June Corpus Domini
• 10th August St Lorenzo patron saint + band + procession + artist
• 11th August Santa Filomena band + artist
• 12th August Children’s Day with games and activities
• 12th August AVIS festival
• 13th August Pennadomo neighbourhood five-a-side football tournament
• 13th August Dialectal Theatre
  14th August Pasta Party

10. The best things to do locally for the under 12s

Climbing, playground, cycling and walking in the stunning, evocative and safe natural surroundings.

Discover more about staying with Jessica on the Pennadomo Climbing on the Abruzzo Directory

Author: Jessica Di Renzo

Ciao!

We are Jessica and Stefano. Our story took flight in 2013, in the corridors of an airplane, where as flight attendants, we met and began more than a decade of travelling the world together.

Over the years, we have cultivated two other great passions: nature and sports. Stefano, is a passionate climber from Milan and I'm a sports lover from Rome/Pennadomo.

These passions led us to create Pennadomo Climbing House, a place that tells our story and shares our love of adventure and natural beauty.