Sulmona
|
Latest page update: 21 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Sulmona
Sulmona offers a good selection of established hotels, many housed in elegant historic buildings close to the Piazza Garibaldi and the medieval centre. The town’s location in the Valle Peligna makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby mountain villages and natural parks.
Hotel Rojan provides modern comfort within a traditional setting, featuring well-equipped rooms, a generous breakfast and excellent guest feedback for hospitality and cleanliness (€€€). B&B Il Marchese del Grillo combines period charm with attentive service, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to the main sights (€€). For a larger option, Hotel Ovidius offers spacious rooms, a restaurant and wellness facilities, receiving high ratings for location and service quality (€€€).
Hotel Rojan provides modern comfort within a traditional setting, featuring well-equipped rooms, a generous breakfast and excellent guest feedback for hospitality and cleanliness (€€€). B&B Il Marchese del Grillo combines period charm with attentive service, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to the main sights (€€). For a larger option, Hotel Ovidius offers spacious rooms, a restaurant and wellness facilities, receiving high ratings for location and service quality (€€€).
Where is
Where is Sulmona?
|
There are few locations in Abruzzo that are as convenient for visiting the region as Sulmona.
Located within the Province of L'Aquila, the town is just a short distance from the Majella National Park to its east while slightly further away and to the south, lies the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Aside from its convenient location, Sulmona is itself worthy of a visit in its own right. |
|
Comune di Sulmona
|
Province: L'Aquila
Region: Abruzzo Population: 21,944 (in 2024 - source) Size: 58 km² Elevation: 405 metres Market days: Saturdays and Wednesdays Close by: Majella National Park, Pacentro, Introdacqua, Bugnara Fly to: Pescara Abruzzo International Airport (71 km) Nearest train station: Stazione Sulmona (2.6 km) |
What People Ask About Sulmona
Is Sulmona worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Sulmona?
How do I get to Sulmona?
When is the best time to visit Sulmona?
What food is Sulmona known for?
Related links
Discover
Discover Sulmona
Home of Confetti
The main attraction in the town centre is the wide expanse of Piazza Garibaldi which is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants, while at one end there's perhaps the most distinctive sight in Sulmona, the 12th century Gothic aqueduct. Close to the aqueduct there's the impressive façade of Chiesa di San Francesco della Scarpa, a Romanesque church originally built in 1290 AD.
Sulmona is in fact steeped in history; legend has it that the city was founded in 1,000 BC by one Solimo (from where the town's name derives), a friend of Aeneas fleeing from the Trojan Wars. The town's most celebrated resident is without doubt the Roman poet Ovid who was born in Sulmona in 43 AD. There are references to him throughout the town with hotels, shops and streets such as Corso Ovidio named after him.
Another famous offspring of Sulmona is not a person but a product; for more than 2,000 years the town has produced sugar-coated almonds, otherwise known as "confetti". You can find out more about this at the Fabbrica Confetti Pelino, a museum dedicated to the art.
There are several important events that take place in Sulmona: aside from the weekly markets (Saturdays and Wednesdays), Piazza Garibaldi is also the home to the medieval joust known as the Giostra Cavalleresca (last weekend in July), and the "Madonna che Scappa" religious event on Easter morning.
Sulmona is in fact steeped in history; legend has it that the city was founded in 1,000 BC by one Solimo (from where the town's name derives), a friend of Aeneas fleeing from the Trojan Wars. The town's most celebrated resident is without doubt the Roman poet Ovid who was born in Sulmona in 43 AD. There are references to him throughout the town with hotels, shops and streets such as Corso Ovidio named after him.
Another famous offspring of Sulmona is not a person but a product; for more than 2,000 years the town has produced sugar-coated almonds, otherwise known as "confetti". You can find out more about this at the Fabbrica Confetti Pelino, a museum dedicated to the art.
There are several important events that take place in Sulmona: aside from the weekly markets (Saturdays and Wednesdays), Piazza Garibaldi is also the home to the medieval joust known as the Giostra Cavalleresca (last weekend in July), and the "Madonna che Scappa" religious event on Easter morning.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Sulmona
- Centro Storico di Sulmona unfolds across the Valle Peligna, a labyrinth of elegant streets lined with Renaissance palaces, medieval towers, and arched porticoes. The city’s fabric reflects centuries of wealth tied to trade and artistic patronage. Colourful façades and carved stone details enrich every corner. Walking through Sulmona reveals a lively blend of history, architecture, and vibrant urban life.
- Cattedrale di San Panfilo stands as Sulmona’s principal church, its Romanesque façade complemented by later Gothic and baroque additions. Inside, visitors find gilded altars, frescoed chapels, and marble columns that speak of centuries of devotion and artistic achievement. The cathedral has been central to religious life since the Middle Ages. It remains a spiritual and architectural jewel of the city.
- Acquedotto Medievale stretches gracefully across Piazza Garibaldi, its stone arches a striking testament to 13th-century engineering. Once vital for supplying water to the city, it now serves as an iconic backdrop for markets and festivals. The aqueduct’s arches frame views of the piazza and surrounding mountains. It stands as one of Sulmona’s most recognisable and photogenic landmarks.
- Piazza Garibaldi forms the bustling heart of Sulmona, a vast square edged by arcades, churches, and lively cafés. It hosts the famous Giostra Cavalleresca, an historic jousting tournament that fills the square with colour and excitement each summer. Cobblestones and mountain views add to its grandeur. The piazza is the perfect place to experience the city’s vibrant community spirit.
- Guided confetti and heritage tours in Sulmona introduce visitors to the city’s renowned tradition of sugared almond production. Local guides lead guests through artisanal workshops, sharing stories of ancient recipes, vibrant confection displays, and cultural rituals tied to confetti. Tours often include tastings of these colourful sweets, alongside visits to historic landmarks. Exploring with a guide offers a delicious and engaging way to discover Sulmona’s unique identity and craftsmanship.
Tours and Activities
Sulmona Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Sulmona 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
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 Sulmona
By Rail: Sulmona has its own main train station on the Rome–Sulmona–Pescara and Sulmona–Isernia lines, operated by Trenitalia. Regular regional and intercity trains connect Sulmona to Rome in about 2 hours, Pescara in roughly 1 hour, and L’Aquila in around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The station is located close to the town centre, with local buses and taxis providing easy access to hotels and nearby attractions.
By Road: Sulmona is located in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, within the Valle Peligna. From Rome, the drive is around 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours via the A24 and A25 motorways. From L’Aquila, it is approximately 70 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main squares.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Sulmona is located in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, within the Valle Peligna. From Rome, the drive is around 150 kilometres and takes about 2 hours via the A24 and A25 motorways. From L’Aquila, it is approximately 70 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main squares.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Approximately 65 kilometres from Sulmona, with a driving time of around 1 hour via the A25 motorway. It is the nearest airport, offering domestic and European connections.
- Rome Ciampino Airport: Located about 160 kilometres west, taking roughly 2 hours by car via the A24 and A25. A convenient option for travellers arriving from across Europe.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Around 180 kilometres west, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes via the A24 and A25. Ideal for long-haul and intercontinental arrivals.
Private Transfers
Sulmona Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to reach Sulmona or continue your journey from the town 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 smooth and stress-free 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 access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Sulmona usually takes around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to L’Aquila, Scanno, and Roccaraso, or to nearby destinations such as Pacentro, Anversa degli Abruzzi, and Campo di Giove.
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.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which offers the most direct access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Sulmona usually takes around 1 hour by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to L’Aquila, Scanno, and Roccaraso, or to nearby destinations such as Pacentro, Anversa degli Abruzzi, and Campo di Giove.
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.
