Facts About Abruzzo

FACTS ABOUT ABRUZZO

Visiting nineteenth-century Italian diplomat and Journalist Primo Levi (Not to be confused with the writer and survivor of the Holocaust, Primo Levi) said that “forte e gentile” (strong and gentle) best describes the beauty of the region and the character of its people. “Forte e gentile” has since become the motto of the region and its inhabitants.

ABRUZZO

Abruzzo is a region of Italy in Southern Italy, with an area of 10,763 square km (4,156 sq mi) and a population of 1.3 million. Its western border lies 80 km (50 mi) east of Rome. The region is divided into the four provinces of L’Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Abruzzo borders the region of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west, Molise to the south-east, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Geographically, Abruzzo is divided into a mountainous area to the west, which includes the Gran Sasso D’italia, and a coastal area to
the east with beaches on the Adriatic sea. Abruzzo is considered culturally, linguistically, historically, and economically a region of Southern Italy, although geographically it may also be considered central.
The Italian Statistical Authority deems it to be part of Southern Italy, partially because of Abruzzo’s historic association with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Abruzzo is known as “the Greenest region in Europe” as one third of its territory, the largest in Europe, is set aside as national parks and protected nature reserves: there are three national parks, one regional park, and 38 protected nature reserves. These ensure the survival of 75% of Europe’s living species including rare species, such as the small wading dotterel, golden eagle, the Abruzzo (or Abruzzese) chamois, Apennine wolf, and Marsican brown

ABRUZZO AT A GLANCE

The international community have chosen to make their home in the region as many Italians from the region have chosen to leave for more densely populated areas. The coastal areas of the region have the largest population while the mountains are very sparsely populated.
During the summer the weather in Abruzzo is hot and dry. The winters along the coast can be very mild, but inland can become very cold with plenty of rain and snow.
Retiring to Abruzzo is ideal for those who are looking for a quiet retirement. The inland part of the region is home to many small towns and villages and property is very reasonably priced there. For a livelier retirement, the coastal areas are ideal as there are resorts there which have a variety of activities available. Some of the coastal areas already have small communities of retired expats.
Tourism based businesses tend to thrive here such as hotels, bars and restaurants.
This region of Italy is very unspoiled and has beautiful countryside to offer as well as a wealth of leisure facilities. Many expats are looking at Abruzzo as the area is not yet as popular as Tuscany and Umbria and properties are therefore cheaper, particularly if you are prepared to renovate. It is a fact that a property in Abruzzo can be up to 50% cheaper than in Tuscany. Many expats are choosing the area for investment properties as well as second homes and there are bargains to be found for those who want commercial properties.

Most of the towns in the region have a good mix of traditional living and modern life. Many of the buildings are centuries old, but most towns also have newer developments. Good shopping facilities and leisure amenities for day to day life yet the more exotic boutiques and exclusive brands are more likely to be found in the larger cities of Rome, Venice and the like.