Things to Do and See in Chieti

Chieti, the capital of the province of the same name, is situated on a hill that separates the waters of the Aterno-Pescara River from those of the Alento River. It consists of Chieti Alta, which includes the historic center, and Chieti Scalo, the newer part of the city. A city rich in art, the main monuments to visit are located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, including the Cathedral of St. Justin—the largest and most important church in the city—the City Hall, and the Courthouse. Along Corso Marrucino, you’ll find the Baroque Church of St. Dominic, the theater, and the Baroque Church of St. Francis della Scarpa, which preserves the rose window from the original 13th-century structure. Among the museums, we recommend the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo, housed in the neoclassical municipal villa; the “Costantino Barbella” Art Museum, in the Martinelli-Bianchi Palace, featuring an exhibition of frescoes, paintings, and ceramics; and the Museum of Sacred Art in Ortona. The city of Vasto also consists of two urban centers: Vasto, the main town—the historic part—and Vasto Marina, the new residential and commercial center. A popular seaside destination, must-see attractions include the 13th-century Cathedral of St. Joseph and Palazzo D’Avalos, home to the Archaeological Museum and the art gallery. Meanwhile, in Atessa, we recommend the Column of St. Christopher, atop the hill of the same name; the Cathedral of St. Leucio and the Church of Santa Croce; as well as Palazzo Coccia-Ferri, Palazzo Spaventa, Casa De Marco, and Palazzo Marcolongo.