Hugging the side of Mount Calvario, Rivisondoli is a picturesque village and ski resort in the Abruzzo region of Italy. First mentioned in the 8th century, it became an important weapon manufacturing hub on the Via degli Abruzzi, an ancient Roman route that once connected Florence and Naples.
In the heart of Rivisondoli is the Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari, a Neo-Romanesque church built in 1931 after an earthquake destroyed its ancient predecessor. Constructed from terracotta stone, it features a pyramid-topped bell tower and beautiful stained glass windows crafted by Giovanni Haynal.
In the winter months, you can hit the skiing and snowboarding runs of Alto Sangro, which boasts more than 150 kilometres of slopes and 60 kilometres of cross-country trails. In addition to an ice skating rink, there are two snow parks, a sledding slope and a dedicated children’s area, complete with a playground.
Getting there
Rivisondoli is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Pescara and Abruzzo Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport is 2.5 hours away. Buses connect to Rivisondoli and the village is small enough to explore on foot.