Destinations: Pescara

Pescara, Abruzzo

The most highly-populated town in the region of Abruzzo, Pescara is a city with a definite modern feel, and is one of the major tourist and business centers on the Adriatic Sea. With a rumbling, avant-garde train station and a busy airport, Pescara has enjoyed a post-World War II era of productive industrial development, its economy erupting with textiles, clothing, comestibles, chemical and building materials. With a beach extending for nearly 15 miles and a number of venues in which to enjoy the city's nightlife, a stay in Pescara promises to be as prosperous as the city itself.

History
Originally a maritime settlement founded by the ancient Italic peoples, the Vestini, Marrucini, and Peligni, during the Roman Era the town—under the name of "Ostia Aterni"—became a significant port, providing access to the Mediterranean Sea for the whole Abruzzo region. In 100 B.C., the geographer Strabo named Ostai Aterni the "most important port in the central Adriatic." Along with Barbarian invasions and Byzantine domination, the city suffered destruction at the hands of the Lombards in the 7th century A.D. The city was afterwards refounded and renamed Piscaria, in honor of the plentitude of fish in its nearby waters. Conquered by Normans in 1140 A.D., Piscari shared much of its subsequent history with the Kingdom of Naples. The city ultimately unified with Italy in the year 1860, becoming the province capital in 1927. Pescara later endured considerable devastation from American bombardments, which rained down on the city during World War II. It is home to two important literary figures of the 20th century: the author, humorist, and scriptwriter, Ennio Flaiano, and Gabriele D'Annunzio, Italian poet, literary leader, and favorite of the Fascist party.

Cuisine
Aside from fresh fish and seafood, served up at Pescara's many fine restaurants and trattorie, be sure to sample a flavor or two of the local gelato; or indulge in a slice of the traditional dessert Parrozzo (a Pescarese cake made from almonds and covered in chocolate), which is still prepared according to its original 1911 recipe, invented by Luigi D'Amico.

Sights
The main historic and cultural attraction in Pescara is the Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo, or "Museum of the Abruzzo Peoples," which offers a unique exploration of the city, its life, folk traditions, and customs, from the prehistoric period to the present day. Other stops for those in search of art should include the Palazzo del Governo ("Governor's Palace") and the house-museum of Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938).

Transportation
Pescara has two ports: Porto Canale and Pescara Marina (used by Pescara's delightful La Scuffia Yacht Club). The city also possesses an airport, with flights leaving daily for Frankfurt, Milan, and London. The bus depot and train station (Pescara Centrale) are located adjacent to one another, and offer easy transportation to a number of additional destinations.