If you haven’t visited Sulmona yet, you’re about to discover one of Abruzzo’s best surprises. The city sits in a vast, sunny valley between two national parks, and here, history is part of everyday life. Romans shaped the town, medieval builders left their mark, poets found inspiration, and today Sulmona remains one of Abruzzo’s most elegant small cities.
Many people know Sulmona for Ovid, its famous confetti (the original sugared almonds), and the unique Madonna che Scappa event on Easter Sunday. But you’ll find the real magic when you take your time and explore.
Why People Fall in Love with Sulmona
Piazza Garibaldi feels like a stage set and is one of Italy’s largest squares. Its medieval aqueduct stretches across the piazza like a stone backbone. On market mornings, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the square is full of colour and lively sounds. During festivals, it feels as if you’ve travelled back in time. This is where the Giostra Cavalleresca, concerts, and celebrations take place, surrounded by mountains.
Just past the piazza, you’ll see churches, noble palaces, old streets, fountains, and the city’s historic gates. Porta Napoli, now restored, stands at the southern entrance to town like a triumphal arch – the Acquedotto Svevo, built in 1256 and still impressive today, once powered mills and workshops. The Fontana del Vecchio still provides cold mountain water.
As you walk around, you’ll notice Ovid’s presence everywhere, from street names to the large statue in Piazza XX Settembre. It’s a great place to stop, listen, and picture ancient Sulmo as Ovid knew it. Perhaps you already know one of his famous lines, “Wine prepares the hearts and makes them more ready for passion”.
Take the Sulmona Quiz
Recommended Place to Stay in Sulmona
The Poets’ Retreat is a beautifully restored 16th-century palazzo apartment located in the historic centre. It offers three elegant bedrooms, two with balconies overlooking the rooftops and the Morrone mountains, and a peaceful twin room facing the courtyard. There is a bright living room with a terrace, two modern bathrooms with a hydromassage bath, and a fully equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances.
With antiques, comfort, light, and plenty of space, it’s the kind of place where you feel at home right away.
It’s a perfect base for exploring Sulmona’s markets, cafés, trails, galleries, and mountains, or for relaxing with a book and a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Catch owners Katja and Andrew with their Exploring Abruzzo hats on, walking around Sulmona!
Author: Katja von Schweitzer
Born in Germany and raised in the UK, Katja is bilingual and is also learning Italian. With over 25 years’ marketing experience she runs Exploring Abruzzo with her husband Andrew Miles. Together with their 2 children they moved to Abruzzo in 2018 where they also are busy with their renovation projects.
