Updated June 2026
Introduction
Penne is one of ‘i borghi piu belli d’Italia’ (most beautiful villages in Italy), a hilltop town known for its terracotta brick, medieval lanes and views across the hills. It is often called the ‘city of bricks’.
Things to See
Historic Centre
Penne’s centro storico is a maze of brick lanes, arches and small piazzas. Highlights include:
Annunziata Church
This church has Romanesque origins (13th century) with a 1801 Baroque façade.
Salconio Portico – 1911
A graceful covered walkway also reflects Penne’s importance as an important administrative centre in the early 20th century.
San Francesco’s Gate (18th century) with St Nicholas church
At the entrance to the historic centre, an imposing arch leads to a church and lively piazza lined with cafes.
Brick architecture
Penne has been called ‘small Siena’ for its terracotta tones and unique brick architecture.
Walks
Alessio di Simone walk
A gentle walk on the outskirts of the historic centre with beautiful views across the surrounding hills making it ideal for a short, scenic loop.
Lago di Penne (Penne Lake)
The Orto Botanico Riserva Lago di Penne is a botanical garden located within the Riserva Lago di Penne. In addition, the Reserve offers 4 easy walking trails of different lengths, totalling 16km.
Short History
Italic Period
The Vestini settled the area long before Rome. As a result, Italic culture shaped Penne’s early identity, and by 300BC the town already served as a seat of local government.
Roman Period
After the Social War (91–88 BC), the Romans defeated the Vestini, granted them Roman citizenship and the town became known as Pinna Vestinorum. Under the Roman Republic, it developed as a local administrative centre.
Medieval Period
Penne grew as a fortified hill town with churches, monasteries, and brick architecture that still defines its appearance today. Its strategic position made it an important regional centre.
World War II
Allied forces heavily bombed Penne, and parts of the historic centre were rebuilt in the post‑war years. In recognition of the loss of life and the resilience shown by the community, the Italian government awarded Penne the Silver Medal of Civic Merit in 2006.
Modern Period
Penne continued to develop as a provincial town with strong agricultural and artisan traditions. Today it retains a strong architectural identity and contains many original medieval features.
People & Culture
Penne is the birthplace of the poet and patriot Clemente de Cesaris (1810-1887) known as the Garibaldi of Abruzzo. He fought for a united Italy and was repeatedly imprisoned for his activism.
De Cesaris had radical and egalitarian idea, believeing that political freedom from kings was meaningless without social equality.
He felt betrayed by the new Savoy monarchy and the emerging Italian political class, convinced they had used the local population as pawns while ignoring social justice. Having spent all his wealth on the revolutionary cause, he died in poverty and isolation inside a municipal prison cell in Penne in 1877.
A monument to him stands outside the Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo in Pescara, marking the site of his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Translation: “”Kings, Lords, and the rich divided the earth among themselves, inventing two terrible words: mine and thine; an iron fence between you and your needs. No one has a right to the superfluous as long as there is a single man who lacks the necessities.”
— (Epistle to the People)
How to Get Here
By Car Penne is easily reached from Pescara (approx. 35–40 minutes).
By Bus Regular buses connect Penne with Pescara and other nearby towns.
Nearest Airport: Abruzzo Airport (31kms away) with transit buses available
More Info