Overview
You are in the presence of one the most beautiful villages in Italy overlooking one of the most spectacular stretches of the Adriatic coastline: the Trabocchi Coast.
Rocca San Giovanni stands on a rocky hill 155 metres above sea level, between the river mouths of Sangro and Feltrino.
The first written traces of the village appear on a diploma dated 1047, signed by Emperor Henry III and addressed to the Monastery of San Giovanni in Venere. In the early Middle Ages, it was a fief of noble Lombard-Franco families, who were interested in Benedictine monastic colonisation as early as the 8th century.
From the 11th to the 16th century, it became a stronghold-shelter of the nearby Benedictine abbey and then passed under the jurisdiction of the congregation of Filippo Neri of Rome. At the end of the 18th century, it returned to the Royal State Property.
During your tour through the streets of Rocca San Giovanni, stop to visit the three-nave Romanesque-style Church of San Matteo Apostolo and the classically inspired 19th-century Town Hall, which houses an interesting collection of works of art.
The old town centre is also characteristic, with its avenue leading to the splendid panoramic terrace, from which you can admire the valley below: the green olive groves, vineyards and orange groves lead your gaze to the coast, where the sea breaks on the rocks that border the inlets and white pebbly beaches.
The largest beach is in the 'Foce' locality, stretching between the ancient village of Vallevò and Punta Torre, where the homonymous trabocco is located. Another suggestive beach, among the most beautiful ones on the Trabocchi Coast, is the 'Cavalluccio' beach, characterised by the presence of trabocco and a large stack called the 'scoglione'.
Immersed in the beautiful and unique coastline of Rocca San Giovanni, you should try the 'palazzole', a typical traditional seafood dish made of anchovies or sardines, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley and extra virgin olive oil. Rocca San Giovanni boasts two wineries that produce DOC Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, with a focus on white wines.
