Castelli 

Latest page update: 21 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Castelli
Accommodation options in Castelli are mostly smaller-scale, reflecting its position as a traditional mountain village known for ceramics and scenic surroundings. For well-reviewed, established hotels with full facilities, the best choices are found in nearby towns such as Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia and Colledara.
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Hotel Miramonti (Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia, approx. 10 kilometres) offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving regional dishes and strong guest feedback for friendliness and value (€). Dimora della Fontana (Colledara, approx. 14 kilometres) features elegant interiors in a restored building, praised for its charm and attention to detail (€€€). For a practical and well-rated option closer to the mountains, Hotel Casale dei Poeti (Castelli area) provides simple, comfortable rooms and reliable reviews for cleanliness and hospitality (€€).

Where is

Where is Castelli?
​The town of Castelli is situated within the Province of Teramo and has a population of 1,078 inhabitants. Listed as one of the "Borghi Più Belli d'Italia" (Italy's most beautiful villages), it stands at an elevation of 500 metres above sea level. 

​There are 3 hotels within 10 km while nearby places of interest include Ornano Grande, Farindola, Teramo and Castel del Monte.
Comune di Castelli
Province: Teramo

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 954 (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​Size: 49 km²

Elevation: 500 metres

​Close by: Ornano Grande, Farindola, Teramo, Castel del Monte​

Recommended accommodation: Locanda del Parco Hotel (17 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Fiore d'Argilla (Clay Flower)

What People Ask About Castelli, Abruzzo

Is Castelli worth visiting?
Yes, Castelli is worth visiting for its centuries-old tradition of ceramics, charming mountain location at the foot of Gran Sasso, and views over the valley of the Vomano river.
How do I get to Castelli?
Castelli is about 40 km from Teramo and 45 km from L’Aquila. By car, it is reached via the A24 motorway and SP road network into the Gran Sasso foothills. The nearest train stations are Teramo and Giulianova, from where buses run towards the town.
What is Castelli famous for?
Castelli is internationally known for its ceramic production, particularly majolica pottery. Its workshops and the Ceramics Museum display pieces ranging from traditional tableware to Renaissance-inspired works of art.
What are the main attractions in Castelli?
Highlights include the Ceramics Museum, artisan workshops, and the Church of San Donato with its painted majolica ceiling, called the "Sistine Chapel of Majolica." The town also serves as a starting point for excursions into the Gran Sasso National Park.
What food is typical of Castelli and the area?
Traditional mountain dishes include arrosticini, lamb stews, wild mushrooms, and pecorino cheeses. Castelli is also part of the Gran Sasso area known for lentils, honey, and hearty pasta dishes such as sagne e fagioli.
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Discover

Discover Castelli
Set on the slopes of the Gran Sasso Mountains, Castelli is a mountain village in the Abruzzo region, known for its long tradition of ceramics and pottery. The settlement is surrounded by forests, streams, and high cliffs, with views that stretch across the Valle del Vomano. Its narrow streets are lined with stone houses and artisan workshops, creating a setting that reflects both its medieval origins and its enduring reputation as a centre of craftsmanship.
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The village’s artistic heritage is represented by the Church of San Donato, whose ceiling is covered with hand-painted ceramic tiles often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Majolica.” Several workshops and studios still produce the distinctive Castelli majolica, renowned since the Renaissance for its intricate designs and vibrant colours. The Ceramics Museum showcases pieces from different periods, linking the town’s history to its continuing craft tradition. Positioned near Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia and Colledara, Castelli lies within the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, combining artistic culture with dramatic mountain scenery.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Castelli
  • Centro Storico di Castelli nestles at the foot of Monte Camicia, its narrow lanes winding among stone houses, arcades, and artisan workshops. The village preserves a strong medieval character, with rustic façades, tiled rooftops, and hidden courtyards. Small piazzas open onto breathtaking views of the Gran Sasso peaks and lush valleys below. Walking through Castelli offers a sense of timeless artistry, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
  • Chiesa di San Donato stands modestly on the village’s edge, its simple exterior hiding one of Abruzzo’s artistic treasures. Inside, visitors discover a magnificent maiolica-tiled ceiling, glowing with vibrant colours and intricate designs crafted by local ceramic masters. The church has been a place of worship and artistic pride for centuries. It remains a symbol of Castelli’s deep connection to ceramic artistry.
  • Museo delle Ceramiche celebrates Castelli’s renowned ceramic tradition, housing exquisite collections of maiolica works spanning centuries. The museum displays plates, vases, and religious pieces, showcasing brilliant colours and delicate craftsmanship. Visiting offers insight into the evolution of styles and techniques that have made Castelli famous across Europe. It stands as a cultural beacon for the village’s artistic heritage.
  • Piazza Roma lies at the heart of village life, surrounded by artisan shops, historic buildings, and spaces where locals and visitors gather. The square hosts markets, ceramics festivals, and lively conversations that fill it with energy. Cobblestones underfoot and views of surrounding mountains add rustic charm. It’s the perfect place to pause and absorb the vibrant artistic spirit of Castelli.
  • Guided ceramic and cultural tours in Castelli lead visitors through artisan studios, historic churches, and panoramic trails overlooking the valley. Local guides share stories of master potters, ancient kiln techniques, and the village’s long-standing artistic reputation. Tours often include hands-on pottery demonstrations and tastings of local delicacies like cheeses and traditional sweets. Exploring with a guide unveils Castelli’s unique blend of artistic mastery and mountain village life.

Tours and Activities

Castelli Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo

1. ​Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park 
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park 
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto 
8. Barrea 
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Castelli
By Rail: The nearest train station to Castelli is in Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia, approximately 20 kilometres away. The station lies on the Teramo–L’Aquila line operated by Trenitalia, with regional services connecting to Teramo in about 40 minutes and L’Aquila in roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. From the station, local buses and taxis provide access to Castelli and other nearby mountain villages.

By Road: Castelli is located in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, on the northern slopes of the Gran Sasso mountain range. From Teramo, the drive is around 45 kilometres and takes about 1 hour via the SS81 and SP37. From Pescara, it is approximately 70 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and close to the ceramic workshops for which the town is known.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Approximately 65 kilometres from Castelli, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A25 and SS81. It is the nearest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European connections.
  • Ancona Falconara Airport: Located about 165 kilometres north, taking roughly 2 hours by car via the A14. A suitable option for travellers from northern or central Europe.
  • Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 170 kilometres west, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes via the A24. Convenient for visitors arriving from across Europe.

Private Transfers

Castelli Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and efficient way to reach Castelli or continue your journey from the village to other destinations in Abruzzo and neighbouring regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a relaxed journey without the need for car hire or public transport.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which offers the most direct option for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Castelli usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Teramo, Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia, and Castel del Monte, or to nearby destinations such as L’Aquila, Penne, and Pescara.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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