This coastal town in Abruzzo was a key battleground during WWII. Its 15th-century Aragonese castle and San Tommaso Basilica overlook the Adriatic fishing port.
Ortona sits atop limestone cliffs along Italy's Adriatic coast in the Abruzzo region. This town of 23,000 people draws visitors to swim at Punta dell'Acquabella beach, explore the 15th-century Aragonese Castle's underground passages, and dine at traditional wooden fishing platforms called trabocchi. In the rebuilt cathedral, you'll find the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, whose bronze statue rises from the harbor waters.
Getting to Ortona
Ortona lies 20 km from Pescara and 30 km from Chieti in central Italy's Abruzzo region. You can reach the town by regional trains from Pescara, though the 40-minute drive is faster than the 1-hour train journey. The town's location makes it convenient for day trips to both the coast and the Majella National Park.
Beaches Along the Adriatic
The town's main beaches include Lido Riccio and Punta Ferruccio, both with clear waters and white sand. Lido Saraceni and Punta dell'Acquabella are less crowded spots for swimming and sunbathing. In 2024, Ortona received a Blue Flag certification for its beach quality and water cleanliness.
The Aragonese Castle
The 15th-century castle overlooks the Adriatic coastline from its cliff-edge position. Alfonso of Aragon built this fortress between 1450 and 1470 to guard the harbor. You can explore two cylindrical towers and walk through underground passages. The small museum inside displays 15th-century furniture and historical photographs. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00.
Saint Thomas Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Tommaso contains the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, which arrived in Ortona in 1258. The cathedral, rebuilt after 1943, houses a museum with medieval manuscripts and religious objects from the 13th century. Look for the bronze statue of Saint Thomas emerging from the harbor waters near the port.
Costa dei Trabocchi
The Trabocchi Coast starts in Ortona and runs 45 kilometers south. These wooden fishing platforms stretch out over the water on stilts, including the Mucchiola, Punta Fornace, and San Giacomo structures. Several trabocchi now function as restaurants where you can eat fresh seafood caught the same day.
Walking Routes
The Eastern Promenade (Passeggiata Orientale) runs 2 kilometers along the clifftop, with views of the Adriatic Sea. This path connects to the Aragonese Castle and joins the Adriatic Cycle Route along the coast. In the old town, walk through the narrow streets of Terravecchia and Terranova districts, where medieval buildings line cobblestone alleys.
World War II History
The Battle of Ortona Museum documents the December 1943 fighting between Canadian and German forces, which earned the town the nickname "Italian Stalingrad." The museum displays photographs, weapons, and personal items from the battle. The nearby Moro River Canadian War Cemetery contains the graves of 1,375 Canadian soldiers who died during the campaign.
