Torre della Loggia
Ortona - 9 Via Gabriele D'Annunzio
A good location for a hassle-free holiday in Ortona, Torre della Loggia - Dimora Storica - Ortona is a bed and breakfast surrounded by views of the garden.
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Along Abruzzo’s Adriatic coast, just a stone’s throw from Francavilla al Mare and Pescara, lies Ortona, a vibrant seaside town that perfectly blends beach and cultural tourism thanks to its stunning coastline and numerous attractions of interest.
Often considered an excellent base for exploring the treasures of central Italy’s coast, Ortona nestles between sea and hills and is frequently regarded as the ideal starting point not only for discovering the Costa dei Trabocchi but also the Abruzzo National Parks.
A town with truly ancient roots, Ortona was already considered an important commercial port from the 4th century BC. The town was first dominated by the Romans and later occupied by the Goths, Byzantines, Lombards and, finally, in the 11th century by the Normans who set it ablaze. Completely rebuilt during Swabian rule, the city and its stately historic centre were then destroyed during the Second World War.
The city was indeed the site of numerous bombardments and fierce battles between German and Allied forces, especially between 21 and 28 December 1943 during the so-called “Battle of Ortona” which led Churchill to describe Ortona as the “Stalingrad of Italy“. The city was subsequently rebuilt and, thanks to its thriving port, has now become one of the region’s principal maritime hubs.
Ortona is one of Abruzzo’s loveliest seaside locations as the celebrated Costa dei Trabocchi begins here and stretches all the way to San Salvo.
The Ortona coastline extends for roughly 20 km and, between equipped bathing establishments and free beaches, is rich in unspoilt landscapes, fine white sandy shores and crystalline sea waters. This stretch of coast is characterised north of the city port by expansive sandy beaches, whilst to the south you’ll find coves, headlands and cliff faces.
Among the principal beaches in the northern area is the Lido Riccio1, a light sandy shore bathed by crystalline sea, and the beautiful Punta Ferruccio Beach2, characterised by a pebbled beach with white stones and sheer cliffs plunging into the sea.
To the south of the port lies the unmissable Lido Saraceni Beach3, a spacious equipped sandy beach, and Acquabella Point4, a stretch of coast that forms part of the namesake Nature Reserve and comprises sand and pebbles. The waters lapping this beach are remarkably clear and limpid, which is why this spot is known as “Acquabella” – literally “beautiful water”.
The main reason to visit Ortona are undoubtedly its magnificent beaches surrounded by nature. However, the town also conceals a vast historical and architectural heritage with various points of interest.
The historic centre situated in an ancient medieval borough has managed to preserve its original character, and you can still wander through characteristic narrow streets and 13th-century buildings.
Perched atop a rocky headland plunging into the sea, the Aragonese Castle was built around the mid-15th century by Ferdinand of Aragon to defend the city from enemy attacks. The structure, considered Ortona’s emblem, has a trapezoidal form with four cylindrical corner towers.
During the Second World War much of the structure was destroyed and was subsequently rebuilt in the early 1990s. The castle is now open to the public, and from its towers you can enjoy wonderful views.
The Cathedral of San Tommaso Apostolo is Ortona’s principal place of worship and sits at the heart of the city. Since 1258, the relics of Saint Thomas, the town’s Saint and Patron, have been housed in the church’s crypt.
This religious building was erected in the 12th century on the remains of an ancient Roman temple but has since undergone multiple renovations. The original structure was Baroque in style with a Latin cross layout. Today, the façade dates from the post-war period whilst inside the vault of the central nave was created in the 18th century and that of the apse dates to the 14th century.
The church once housed various chapels belonging to noble families of the city, which have now been converted into the Diocesan Museum, where Roman and Early Christian artefacts and records are preserved.
Built in the 16th century at the request of Margaret of Austria, Palazzo Farnese is Ortona’s most important historic palace. Located along the Passeggiata Orientale, the palazzo was designed by renowned architect Giacomo Della Porta in Renaissance style and comprises four storeys.
After serving as the residence of various city governors, Palazzo Farnese housed prisons, a magistrate’s court and even an entertainment arena. Today the building is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cascella Art Gallery.
Ortona’s Passeggiata Orientale is a walking route that winds along the eastern side of the headland on which the city stands. The promenade is considered one of Ortona’s major points of interest as it offers magnificent views across the entire coast.
The path continues climbing in elevation all the way to the Aragonese Castle where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the sea and headland.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
In the evening, the historic centre is certainly the heart of Ortona’s social scene as it’s where you’ll find the majority of the town’s shops, restaurants and bars. Many lounge bars and nightclubs are also located along the seafront and beaches.
Numerous beach establishments have beach bars capable of organising beach parties and enjoyable aperitifs that can stretch from sunset into the early hours.
Thanks to its location, Ortona also allows you to easily reach the city of Pescara, where you’ll find various venues and a well-developed nightlife scene.
Those coming to Ortona for a relaxing beach holiday can choose from numerous hotel facilities located along the coast, whilst those seeking a more cultural break can stay in the historic centre, which is also home to several historic residences.
Ortona offers a wide choice of accommodation in various price ranges and types, from half-board hotels to all-inclusive options. Booking a hotel in Ortona means enjoying a totally relaxing holiday whilst taking advantage of all the comforts and services on offer.
The town of Ortona also has several apartments and holiday homes available for rent for varying periods. Choosing an apartment or house means having more space at your disposal along with greater privacy. This type of accommodation also includes the use of a kitchen, allowing you to manage and prepare your own meals.
Ortona is easily reached by both car and train, thanks to motorway connections and a railway station.
Those wishing to reach the town by car from the north should take the A14 and exit at Ortona, then continue towards Ortona on the SS 538 Marruccina. Coming from Pescara you need to take the SS 16 heading towards Chieti until the Foggia-Chieti exit and then continue on the Pescara Tangential State Road/SS714 towards Chieti. From Rome, instead, you should take the A24 and then the A14 to the Ortona exit before taking the SS 538.
The town also has a railway station with active connections to major cities in the region such as Pescara, Francavilla al Mare and Vasto. The nearest airport is Pescara, which is less than 30 km from Ortona but is not directly connected to the town. From the airport you need to take a bus to Pescara’s train station and once there change transport to Ortona.
What's the weather at Ortona? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ortona for the next few days.
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