Escape to Città Sant’Angelo
This picturesque slice of Italian countryside with a beautiful Bed & Breakfast and the unbelievable charm of an ancient village will leave you enamored and absolutely head over heels with the Abruzzian hills.
A stroll though the ancient village of Città Sant'Angelo
There is an amber glow to the late afternoon. Golden straw catches the light as the warm breeze gently runs its fingers through the long strands framing the gravel road, bits left behind after the high summer cutting. Olive groves and grape vines dapple the rolling hills as I climb to the ancient city, Città Sant’Angelo. With origins that date back to 875 I am instantly swept off my feet by the history, the hospitality and the charm of this hilltop comune. Fittingly crowned as one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (‘The most beautiful villages of Italy’), it is an absolute treasure for any traveler in need of a slow, intentional experience.
Torre dell’Angelo perched on a hill and bathed in golden summer light
A week after initially falling in love with Citta Sant'Angelo courtesy of a google search and a much needed day trip out of Pescara, I have returned to the picturesque hilltop to stay as a guest of Torre dell’Angelo. A Bed and Breakfast that has elevated the concept of quaint, historical lodgings by lovingly transforming a 200 year old farm house once owned by a local Baron, into a magical stay in the Abruzzian hills. The rooms have been beautifully restored with local antiques and reclaimed materials, instantly encouraging you to imagine that a part of you traveled back in time. The attention to detail is exquisite and positively exudes charm and simple romance. I gifted myself a night in the Baron’s room, stunning accommodations with french windows that overlook the dreamy Abruzzo landscape with its rolling hills and olive groves paired and an enchanting pool below. The antique furniture is perfectly curated for the space, accented with rich, warm tones and a vaulted ceiling that beautifully features exposed wooden beams – the history is simply palpable. As you step into the ensuite bathroom bathed in golden hour light, you are immediately drawn to the massive freestanding soaking tub surrounded by rustic tiles, an absolute luxury all on its own. An exquisite space that perfectly pairs with the natural beauty of Città dell’Angelo.
I settle into my room and as I am changing for a dip in the pool, I receive a message from Julia, the lovely hostess… ‘would you like a glass of wine? Or an Aperol spritz?’ (We exchanged numbers earlier as she had a little local restaurant guide for me to look over for that evening’s dinner – lovingly detailed with little snippets about each recommended spot.) I opt for an aperol and make my way down to the pool. She greets me by the house kitchen, sheets hanging to dry in the warm evening sun just behind her. This is what I needed Italy to be.
As I make my way down to the sparkling pool, I feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. I haven't felt this relaxed in ages. With an hour to enjoy my early evening swim before heading to dinner, I fully melt into the experience. Glittering pool, stunning scenery and a refreshing aperol spritz… What more could I want?
The Barons room at Torre dell'Angelo
Pre dinner golden hour with grape vines and the farm kitty.
Dinner is just a short seven minute walk down the road to a local, family owned restaurant. A true farm to table experience. Most of what they serve is grown by the family, and I am told, through the help of google translate, that people come from miles around for their special, roast lamb. Not being a huge carnivore, I was a little skeptical of the house offerings, though when at a little family owned spot with daily produce and carne du jour in lieu of an actual menu, I do as the locals do and indulge in the house specialties. And wow. I was blown away by the experience. The house sausages, the roast lamb, the grilled vegetable and the tomato… the tomato! It was a simple meal, but prepared with love and beyond exquisite, and one that I will forever cherish. The short walk back to the Bed and Breakfast, fuzzy from wine and delicious food, was accompanied by impossibly bright stars twinkling above and crickets gently chirping in the fields. The perfect cap to my evening was a long soak in the luxurious bath, windows open, the sound of the Italian night lulling me into a sleepy, satisfied haze. What a wonderful night it was.
As morning crept in through the shutters, disappointment to be leaving came flooding in. With an early start to my day, I enjoyed the gardens as the heat slowly began to rise in the Italian hills. Making note of the little table tableaus thoughtfully arranged in anticipation of everyone's breakfasts (each guest's preferences noted upon check-in), I was soon greeted by Julia once again with a lovely breakfast spread and a perfect cappuccino. It is a mini paradise tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Perfectly simple and understated and yet utterly curated and thoughtful. I could have spent a week here luxuriating in the slow days and nourishing experiences of Abruzzo. As I bid farewell to Torre dell’Angelo, I mentally plan to return for a proper holiday in the not so distant future.
My time in Città Sant’Angelo was absolutely picturesque, begging to be savored and captured in a way that I had always hoped Italy would inspire. As someone who travels often, I am in constant search of unique and unforgettable experiences, and finding this ancient village off of the beaten path and straight out of my Italy fantasies, was truly a highlight of my time spent in Europe this summer. Escaping Los Angeles and folding myself into the winding cobblestone streets with its church bells, charming Bed and Breakfasts and family owned restaurants brings about so much joy, I feel it radiating off of me weeks after my unfortunate return to normalcy. Xx
Wandering through Città Sant’Angelo
