Overview
Plan at least one night in Tocco da Casauria, in the province of Pescara, even if it takes a lifetime to learn the ancient recipe for Centerbe (or Centerba) liqueur, produced here since 1817.
What is known for sure is that one hundred herbs are needed to produce "Centum Herbora", created by a brilliant pharmacist from Molise who moved to Tocco by the distillation of plants collected in the mountains of the Abruzzo village, but above all on Mount Morrone, which imposes itself with its dark mass on the plateau of the area.
Over 200 years later, the herbs are still the same, hand-picked by expert operators, as the same is their digestive power with high alcohol content and the surprising emerald, green colour with a strong flavour. After all, you are in the Maiella National Park, at 356 metres above sea level, and greenery is a prerogative of the wonderful landscape characterized by wooded areas crossed by paths that lead up to the spectacular views of Mount Rotondo, and by a network of ideal routes for mountain bike excursions.
For those who want to experience more adrenaline-pumping feats, paragliding activities are available, organized by expert instructors: you will find yourself in the "land of the wind" (“tocche senza vende è come lu diavule senza dente”, says a nice local proverb), whose strategic position close to the Morrone and open towards the sea, allows you to experience endless "daring descents" launching from a natural platform located at six hundred metres above sea level.
From above, thousands of green dots appear before your gaze: they are the olive trees of the Toccolana variety, an indigenous cultivar whose name derives from its place of origin. Here the wind, constant enemy of humidity, nourishes it by bringing out a particular PDO extra virgin olive oil, bitter and spicy, with hints of artichoke and almond.
In addition to the Centerba, put a few litres of the magical green gold, champagne rather than oil, in your rucksack and head for a few local wine producers, often housed in ancient tufa caves (including one dating back to the 15th century), where Montepulciano and Trebbiano wines are made.
Starting from the centre of the village, which was the birthplace of the painter Francesco Paolo Michetti, a great friend of Gabriele d'Annunzio, reach the Caracciolo Castle, located in the highest part, on the slopes of Morrone, and strategically exposed towards the Popoli Gorges. Rebuilt during the time of Frederick II, the fortress was built again after the earthquake of 1456 by the De Tortis, lords of Tocco. Although in a state of disrepair, its structure is imposing, with a story still to tell.
For dinner, don't miss the cannelloni, ravioli and the Parrozzo, typical dessert of the area, invented in Pescara in 1920 by pastry chef Luigi D'Amico. The first person to taste it was d'Annunzio, who dedicated a madrigal, 'The Song of the Parrozzo', to the delicacy.
What else to see:
- The Church of San Domenico
- The "Santa Maria del Paradiso" Observance Convent