Overview
Abruzzo means authentic and relaxing holidays. Scerni, a tiny village in the province of Chieti, is suitable for those who, like you, want to experience a stay in "holy peace".
Do you want to go to the seaside, but can't stand the noise and night hustle and bustle of the clubs? Stay in Scerni and from here it's a twenty-minute drive to the coast of Vasto.
Do you prefer the mountains instead? Stay in Scerni and in less than half an hour you are in the maternal womb of the Maiella and its wonderful national park.
Don't you want to go to the beach or the mountains? Well. Scerni welcomes you with open arms to offer you the simplicity of an authentic stay seasoned by nature, art, history and a superb cuisine.
The village is ancient and well preserved. It was mentioned as early as 883 in a donation in which the name of Castellum Serni appears as an asset transferred to the monastery of Santo Stefano in Rivo Maris. What is certain is that in the 11th century, this property was among the possessions of that monastery, as recorded in a bull issued by Pope Leo IX in 1503.
Visit the main church dedicated to St. Panfilo - probably built on the remains of a Roman temple - which dates back to the 12th century, with later works mainly produced between the 18th and 19th centuries. Note the imposing neoclassical façade, completed in 1883 with a two-flight staircase. Inside, you can admire, among other valuable works, two ancient statues of St. Panfilo and St. Emidio, a monstrance, a reliquary and a silver processional cross, all of valuable 16th-century workmanship.
Approach the table, which is daily 'illuminated' by the oil and wine of the area, where you will find, among the first courses, 'li n'durciullune', which is very thick pasta alla chitarra often served with mutton sauce; fiadone, a rustic ravioli dish prepared with a mixture of eggs, oil, white wine and flour, and a filling made with various cheeses. Desserts include cavallo, a dry chocolate cake; cagionetti or calcinitti, Christmas fritters filled with grape jam or chickpea paste, round in the shape of little balls or chickpeas and kneaded with honey; tarallucci, round sweets with a hole in the middle filled with jam; and pizzelle, made with the typical Abruzzo tool known as 'lu ferre'.
If you are in the neighbourhood in August, don't miss the event dedicated to another product of the 'Vastese' area, the Ventricina, a slow food presidium, queen of local sausages.
What else to see:
- The forest of the Agricultural Technical Institute
- The Hill of Sighs
- The San Giacomo area