Ortona​

Latest update: 10 March 2022
The seaside town of Ortona is situated on the Adriatic Coast in the Province of Chieti.

It has a population of 22,947 inhabitants and is located around 30 kilometres east of Chieti, the provincial capital. The highlight of the town is Castello Aragonese while nearby places of interest include Marina di San Vito, Francavilla al Mare and Pescara.
Related links
Ortona is a historic coastal town located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy. Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Ortona offers visitors a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant maritime atmosphere.

History: Ortona has ancient origins, dating back to pre-Roman times. It was originally settled by the ancient Italic tribes and later became a Roman colony. Throughout history, the town saw the influence of various civilizations, including the Lombards, Normans, and the Kingdom of Naples.

One of the most significant events in Ortona's history was the Battle of Ortona during World War II. In December 1943, the town was the site of a fierce and bloody battle between Canadian and German forces, known as the "Italian Stalingrad." The Canadian soldiers' bravery is commemorated at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery.

Tourist Information: 

  • Historic Center: The town's historic center is a charming area with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and historical landmarks, such as the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral of San Tommaso, and the Palazzo Corvo.
  • Battle of Ortona Museum: The museum commemorates the fierce battle during World War II and displays artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the conflict.
  • Porto di Ortona: The town's harbor area is a lively place with restaurants, bars, and shops, perfect for an evening stroll and enjoying the maritime atmosphere.
  • Regional Cuisine: Ortona offers a taste of authentic Abruzzese cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias, where visitors can savor traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients, including seafood specialties.
  • Wine Tasting: The area around Ortona is known for its wine production, especially Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local wineries.
  • Beaches: Ortona boasts beautiful sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, beach sports, and relaxation.
Comune di Ortona
Province: Chieti

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 22,287​ ​(source: ISTAT 1 January 2022)

​​​​​Size: 70 km²

Highlights: Castello Aragonese, Basilica of St. Thomas the Apostle

​Close by: Marina di San Vito, Francavilla al Mare, Pescara

Recommended stay: Magnificat Hotel & Resort (14 km)

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the three thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy, particularly important at the moment at the time of the pandemic, via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.