Abruzzo, Italy
Abruzzo, historically referred to as Abruzzi, is a captivating region in Southern Italy, encompassing an area of 4,156 square miles and boasting a population of approximately 1.3 million. It is structured into four provinces: L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Located just 50 miles east of Rome, Abruzzo shares its borders with the Marche region to the north, Lazio to the west and northwest, Molise to the south, and the beautiful Adriatic Sea to the east.
Geographically, Abruzzo presents a striking contrast between its mountainous western area, home to the majestic peaks of the Apennines—including the Gran Sasso d'Italia and the Maiella—and its picturesque coastal region, which features inviting beaches along the Adriatic coast. Although it is culturally recognized as a part of Southern Italy, with its rich traditions, language, and historical ties, its geographical features also suggest a connection to Central Italy. The Italian Statistical Authority (ISTAT) classifies Abruzzo as part of Southern Italy, largely due to its historical links to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Remarkably, nearly half of Abruzzo’s territory is protected through national parks and nature reserves, making it the most protected region in Europe and earning it the affectionate title of "the greenest region in Europe." The region is home to three national parks, one regional park, and 38 protected nature reserves, which safeguard diverse wildlife, including the golden eagle, the Abruzzo chamois, the Apennine wolf, and the Marsican brown bear. In fact, these parks and reserves are habitats for 75% of Europe’s animal species, and they feature Calderone, one of Europe’s southernmost glaciers.
The essence of Abruzzo and its people was poignantly captured by the 19th-century Italian diplomat and journalist Primo Levi (1853–1917), who described the region with the words forte e gentile, meaning "strong and kind." This phrase has since become a cherished motto for the region, reflecting its character and the resilience of its inhabitants.
Source: Wikipedia
