Overview
Welcome to Tornareccio, the village of mosaics. Located on the slopes of Mount Pallano in the province of Chieti, it is surrounded by natural beauty and fascinating archaeological and historical-cultural treasures.
In the historic centre, whose earliest evidence dates back to the 9th century, you will breathe a truly unique atmosphere. Walking through its alleys is an experience not to be missed as the village is a surprising open-air museum!
More than ninety mosaics have been installed on the façades of homes thanks to the 'A Mosaic for Tornareccio' initiative, launched in 2006.
Since then, every year a shortlist of artists is invited to create sketches with a common theme; in the month of August an exhibition is set up and the most voted sketches are then transformed into mosaics and installed on the facades of the houses.
But other 'treasures' enrich this agricultural centre par excellence: its dairy products are renowned - try the superb local pecorino cheese - and beekeeping activity here reaches remarkable levels. Sulla, millefiori, acacia, rhododendron, eucalyptus, orange: these are just some of the delicious types of honey produced in Tornareccio, the 'capital' of this sweet product.
Every year, on the last weekend of September, the characteristic alleys of the historic centre host the "Tornareccio Regina di Miele" event, a market exhibition of honey and typical products where you can taste and buy the best local specialities.
Absolutely not to be missed is a visit to the Megalithic Walls and the Naturalistic Archaeological Park of Mount Pallano.
In fact, in the area of Tornareccio there are the majestic polygonal walls of Mount Pallano, a circuit that can be visited for 160 m, which in some sections reaches the considerable height of almost 5 metres.
The powerful fortification, most likely erected by the ancient Lucani del Sangro, contained several settlements within it: here you can observe what should be the ancient Neolithic village of Pallanum, whose excavations, still in progress, are revealing notable artefacts, including Italic coins, statuettes, weapons, pottery and earrings.
