Montepagano

Montepagano is a settlement perched on a hilltop between the Vomano and Tordino rivers near Roseto degli Abruzzi at roughly 300 meters elevation. The village with its narrow lanes and stone buildings preserves a medieval layout and commands views toward the Adriatic coast.

The settlement emerged in the 11th century when inhabitants moved to higher ground to escape Turkish raids along the coast. This shift inland shaped how the place developed and where it stands today.

The Church of Santissima Annunziata from 1602 and three medieval gates define the village's layout and show how inhabitants organized their settlement over centuries. The central square with its historic entrances forms the heart of the place and reflects how the community developed over time.

The village is accessible by the SS80 road from Teramo or via historic walking paths from Roseto degli Abruzzi through surrounding countryside. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring, as the weather is mild and the summer crowds thin out.

The bell tower in the central square stands on its own at 40 meters tall, separate from the church building itself. This detached arrangement is uncommon in Italian religious architecture and hints at the village's distinct building traditions.