Teramo
An ancient Roman city nestled between Gran Sasso peaks and the Adriatic shore.
About Teramo
Teramo is an understated gem in northern Abruzzo, sitting in a valley between two rivers with the Gran Sasso massif as its dramatic backdrop. The city preserves remarkable Roman ruins—a theatre and amphitheatre hidden among medieval streets—alongside a beautiful Romanesque cathedral with a stunning silver altarpiece. The province of Teramo is foodie territory: the famous virtù teramane, a complex spring soup with dozens of ingredients, reflects the city's deep culinary traditions. The surrounding hills are dotted with small wine producers making Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano that punch well above their weight.
Best Time to Visit
May to September for exploring the hills and coast. The first of May brings the traditional virtù soup festival. Autumn is ideal for wine touring in the surrounding hills.
Local Tips
- Find the hidden Roman city.
Teramo's Roman amphitheatre and theatre are woven into the modern streetscape. A local can reveal the ancient layers beneath the medieval city that most visitors walk right past.
- Taste the virtù.
This legendary spring soup uses over 30 ingredients and takes days to prepare. A local knows which trattorias still make it the traditional way, especially around the May 1st celebrations.
- Tour the Colline Teramane.
The hills around Teramo produce some of Abruzzo's finest wines. A local can arrange tastings at small family cantinas where the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane DOCG rivals wines costing three times as much.