Narrow valleys and impressive, natural paths thrust their way into the mountains and hills, as does the amazing and fascinating Aterno Valley, crawling with ancient villages. Natural reserves, like the National Park of Abruzzo, the Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains, or that of Mount Majella, protect the typical vegetable and animal species of the area, including the golden eagle, the wolf, and the Marsican brown bear. The Adriatic coast is characterized by long and sandy beaches to the north and pebbly beaches to the south. Also, the small villages of the hinterland, as well as the monasteries and castles of the region, are very charming and part of many touristic routes in this the "greenest region" in Italy. The provinces of the region are L’Aquila (regional capital), Pescara, Teramo, and Chieti. The most artistically important town in the region is L’Aquila, located on the mountainside of the Gran Sasso, characterized by a priceless artistic heritage: from the magnificent Basilica di San Bernardino to the Sixteenth-Century castle, from the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio to the Fontana Delle 99 Cannelle (99-spout fountain), embellished with a stone mask for every spout. This city, famous for “the Celestine Pardon,” offers endless routes to the discovery of history, art, and faith. Unfortunately, the earthquake of April 6th, 2009 struck this city and the surrounding area, causing considerable damage to its precious artistic treasures. In the Province of Aquila, the famous Castello di Celano - today the home of the Museum of Archaeology and Sacred Art - and the remains of the ancient Roman city of Alba Fucens are just some of the numerous testimonies narrating the long and complex history of Abruzzo. The city of Pescara, an important for seaside tourism, preserves the memory of the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Lying along Abruzzo's coastline, Pescara boasts numerous long and sandy beaches. Beach-goers also flock to places like Tortoreto, Giulianova, Silvi Marina, Roseto and, further south, Ortona, Vasto, and San Salvo. Chieti, perched on a hill near the coast, is composed of its beautiful 11th-Century Cathedral; and it's National Archaeological Museum, also quite fascinating for its prehistoric finds and vestiges of Greek and Roman civilization. Another important town in Teramo, with its Medieval Cathedral and the remains of a Roman theatre and amphitheater. The countless old Borges in the Province serve as the repositories of a rural lifestyle whose traditions are still alive today, thanks to local folklore and handicraft. One of the most picturesque towns is Scanno, located near an enchanting lake in the Sangro Valley, with its narrow alleys, Baroque gateways, and old buildings. Sulmona, the hometown of poet Ovidio, is equally rich in history, traditions and artistic treasures, including the famous Hermitage of Pope Celestine V. by
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The Region also offers the possibility to practice many sports in contact with nature: walks and excursions by foot, mountain biking or trekking routes in protected areas and sites of enormous naturalistic value, such as the splendid Sagittario Gorge, Zompo lo Schioppo Falls, or Lakes Penne and Serranello, where it is possible to spot rare bird species. From Gran Sasso to Sirente, mountaineering and climbing seem to be the raison d'etre everywhere. Those who love horseback riding will find countless possibilities for excursions, and it is possible to ride on a trail for hundreds of miles amid marvelous natural surroundings in the National Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains. Along the coast, you can practice all sorts of sea sports, for instance, sailing, canoeing, fishing and windsurfing, thanks to well-equipped beaches and modern facilities. Not to be left out are the cycling trails through pinewoods and beech groves; after that, nighttime fun and entertainment can be had for those night owls who prefer to hop between the sea resorts' many clubs, pubs, and restaurants. The archaeological ruins of the Fucino Valley are also a sight to see. A satellite territory of Imperial Rome, the ancient city of Alba Fucens sits at the base of Monte Velino, just a stone's throw away from the remnants of Roman villas and a necropolis. A great number of religious itineraries lead to places of worship in pristine environments, including the famous Hermitage of Celestine V, a monastery embedded in a rocky wall, or the Romanesque and Gothic Church of Santa Maria di Propezzano in the Vomano Valley.