The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lago di Penne

"Rebis Matrice" (1967) is the absolute masterpiece and most iconic artwork by the Italian artist, sculptor, and philosopher Nato Frascà (1931–2006). Although Frascà worked in Rome, he had a strong personal connection to Penne (his wife's hometown), making the city the official home of his artistic legacy today. About the artwork: The struggle against the cubeGeometric discovery: Frascà discovered and developed the "Rebis" shape between 1967 and 1971. It is a three-dimensional, geometric investigation with an alchemical undertone.The construction: The shape is created by the fusion of four of the six internal diagonals within a cube.Visual illusion: Through these diagonal and oblique lines, the artwork challenges the stability of the traditional cube. What is fascinating is that the sculpture seems to completely change shape depending on the angle from which you view it (the principle of dynamic and multiple appearance). The connection with Penne: The headquarters: In Penne is located the official Collezione Nato Frascà foundation (at Largo San Giovanni Battista 1). This collection manages over 500 of his works, designs, and projects.Rebis in public space: The concept "Rebis Matrice" is so important to Penne that monumental interpretations and exhibitions of this work have been placed in the historic center (including at Largo Santa Marina) to contrast the historic brick architecture with modern geometric forces.The name 'Rebis': The term comes from alchemy (derived from the Latin res bina, meaning 'double thing' or the union of opposites). Frascà used this to demonstrate how spiritual and physical forces come together in matter.

Piazza Luca da Penne is the beating heart of Penne and historically and geographically serves as the connection between the two main hills on which the city is built: Colle Castello and the medieval expansion. The piazza is named after the famous 14th-century jurist Luca da Penne. Piazza Luca da Penne exudes the atmosphere of an authentic, non-touristy Italian village square, ideal for exploring on foot as a starting point for your tour of the city. Historical facts: Geographical centre: The piazza is located exactly in the barycentre (the valley) between the hills. Here, the oldest, ancient core of the city and the later, lively medieval centre converged. War wounds: During World War II, on January 13, 1944, the square was heavily hit by an Allied bombing raid. The historic city theatre and the church of Santa Cecilia were completely destroyed. The town hall: The current town hall (Palazzo Comunale) with its characteristic open arcades was rebuilt after the war in a historicist style ("falso antico") to fill the gap left by the destroyed buildings. Homage to the four hills: In the middle of the square stands a bust of Luca da Penne. Nearby is a striking, abstract fountain symbolising the city's four historic hills: Colle Duomo, Colle Castello, Colle Cappuccio, and Colle Romano.

The Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata (also known as the Chiesa dell'Annunciazione del Signore) in Penne is one of the most striking Baroque monuments in this historic city in the Abruzzo region. Byzantine roots: The current church is located in the Rione da Piedi district and is built on the foundations of a much older, Byzantine or 15th-century church. Baroque reconstruction: The building that stands today was extensively rebuilt in the late Baroque style starting in 1733. The renowned architect Carlo Cremonini was responsible for the construction. Special facade: The imposing brick facade on Corso Alessandrini stands out for its slightly undulating (concave) shape and two levels with stacked brick columns. This gives the building a dynamic, elegant effect. Facts: The Passion Story and Good FridayCenturies-old tradition: Since 1570, this church has been the official starting point of the solemn Good Friday procession in Penne.The golden shroud: The church houses the sacred wooden statue of the deceased Christ. During the Easter period, it is covered with a world-famous black velvet cloth (Covertone), richly decorated with embroidery of real gold and silver thread from a design by Salvatore Colapietro. 2009 Earthquake: The church was unfortunately heavily damaged during the devastating earthquake in the L'Aquila region on April 6, 2009. Since then, the building has been closed for regular religious services for safety reasons and for restoration work.

The Chiesa di San Domenico in the Abruzzese brick town of Penne is an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly combines a medieval foundation with an opulent Baroque interior. Located in the central Piazza Luca da Penna, this church is an absolute must-visit for its unique hidden chapels, rare 14th-century frescoes, and fabulous wood carvings. The exterior reflects the typical sober style of Penne as the città del mattone (city of brick). The stone entrance portal dates from 1667 and features a 15th-century stone statue of the Madonna and Child. Once inside, you are greeted by a lavish, theatrical world of Baroque filled with stucco and marble. This is a breathtaking 'church within a church', built from 1613 onwards. It is an absolute Baroque jewel that immediately impresses with: The coffered ceiling: A richly decorated and gilded wooden ceiling, created by master carver Sebastiano Caniola between 1638 and 1641. The wood carvings: The main altar of this chapel is a spectacular feat of woodwork that perfectly illustrates the splendor of Abruzzese Baroque art. During restoration work in the early '90s, medieval murals were uncovered beneath old plaster layers. These impressive frescoes in the former choir are attributed to master Luca d'Atri and show how richly the original medieval church was decorated. The main altar is crafted from beautiful polychrome (multicolored) marble. Directly behind it is a monumental 17th-century walnut choir, handmade by the renowned local artisans Ferdinando Mosca and Bencivenga. In addition, there are valuable sixteenth-century paintings, including works by the painter Ragazzini.

De Porta San Francesco is the most monumental and iconic city gate of the historic town of Penne, located on four hills. The gate forms the main entrance to the medieval center and is a striking example of local architecture. The gate owes its name to Francis of Assisi, who according to legend visited Penne on September 16, 1216. He came to the city at the time to establish peace between two violent, rival family clans. In memory of this historic visit, the original medieval city gate was later named after him. Although the origin of the gate is medieval, its current baroque appearance dates from 1780 (with later adjustments around 1870). The gate, to be renovated, came from the drawing board of architect Francesco Di Sio and was completely rebuilt, along with the adjacent buildings. Since then, they have formed a monumental, stylish entrance to 'the city of brick'. Bonus: if you stand in front of the gate and look closely, you will see the patron saint of Penne, San Massimo, at the top of the gate.

The dam of Lago di Penne (diga di Penne) is an important infrastructural work that formed the basis for the current nature reserve. Some technical data and brief history: The construction of the dam began in 1965 and was completed in the second half of the 1960s. The dam wall has a height of 30 meters. The dam blocks the Tavo river, which originates in the Gran Sasso massif. In addition, the basin collects water from the Gallero stream. The dam is owned and technically maintained by the Consorzio di Bonifica Centro

Looking for a special location that exudes peace and romance by the water? You should definitely discover this highlight. Know that you will not be alone here, enjoying the calming environment together.

How does this bridge get its name? In Italy and other parts of Europe, Ponte Tibetano (Tibetan bridge) is the established, general term for a narrow, wobbly suspension bridge for pedestrians. The name refers to the traditional rope bridges built centuries ago in the Himalayan region (including Tibet) to cross deep gorges and wild rivers.