If you're planning a day trip to Scanno and wondering what to see, you've come to the right place.
This Abruzzo village is famous for its charming heart-shaped lake and a charming historic center.
Here is a complete itinerary to discover the best that Scanno has to offer, including breathtaking views, history and culture.
Morning at Lake Scanno
Heart trail and viewpoint
Our recommendation is to start your day at Lake Scanno, particularly from the Heart Trail. This path, ideal for a morning walk, will guide you to a vantage point that offers a unique view of the lake. From this location, in fact, the lake appears in its famous heart shape, thanks to an enchanting perspective effect.
The trail starts directly from the lake and winds through lush nature. During the hike, stop to visit theHermitage of Sant'Egidio, a small sanctuary surrounded by greenery. This hermitage, with its simple Romanesque architecture, is a perfect place for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Church of Our Lady of the Lake
Once you have completed the Heart Trail, head to the Church of Our Lady of the Lake, located on the shores of the lake itself. This church, built on a rocky outcrop in the early 18th century, can be reached via a double flight of steps. Inside, you will be able to admire the altar carved into the rock that depicts the Madonna appearing to the shepherd Forlone and asking him to build a chapel in her honor.
In addition, a very impressive view of the lake can be enjoyed from the church.
Activities and relaxation on the lake
After visiting the church, enjoy a walk around the lake. The shores offer different activities for everyone. If you're in an active mood, you can rent a rickshaw or bicycle to go around the lake. For an experience on the water, however, you can rent a canoe or paddleboat and discover the lake from a unique perspective.
Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy the sun, you can choose one of the beaches placed around the lake and cool off with a nice swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. This is because Lake Scanno is swimmable and, once again this year, has been confirmed as a blue flag!
After a morning of exploration and activities, treat yourself to a good lunch break, featuring typical Abruzzo dishes.
Afternoon in the historic center of Scanno
Explore Historic Churches
In the afternoon, head to the historic center of Scanno. Start your visit from its historic churches, which are veritable treasure troves of art and devotion. Don't miss the Church of Santa Maria della Valle, dating back to the 12th century, and the Church of San Rocco, also known as the Church of the Madonna del Carmine, with its façade enriched by a 16th-century-style portal and a Latin inscription "MATER ET DECOR CARMELI." Each church tells a part of Scanno's history with its unique frescoes, sculptures and architecture.
Wool Museum
Continue your visit to the Wool Museum on Calata Sant'Antonio Street. Founded in 1993 thanks to generous donations from the local community and the work of volunteers who restored the structure (and for this reason also called the "people's museum"), the museum offers a fascinating look at the city's past.
Inside, the Wool Museum houses a rich and varied collection of tools from the contemporary age (1850-1930) used by shepherds for cheese making and wool processing.
The museum also features a faithful reconstruction of a typical home environment from the late 19th century. This section offers a glimpse into the daily life of shepherd families, with period furnishings and objects recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions.
For those wondering what to see in Scanno in a day, then, the Wool Museum is a stop that adds depth and context to the village's beauty.
Escher Alley
Another curiosity not to be missed is Vico Ciorla, also known as Escher's Alley. This narrow passage is famous for inspiring the works of the famous Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, who stayed in Scanno in the 1930s.
Escher, fascinated by the beauty of the architectural views, made a lithograph of this alley in 1930, which became part of a series dedicated to the landscapes of Abruzzo.
To walk along Vico Ciorla is, therefore, to walk in the footsteps of a great artist and to immerse oneself in a unique and evocative perspective of the village.
The statue of the woman in traditional dress
Walking through the streets of the center, it is worth stopping to observe the statue of the woman of Scanno. Created by sculptor Alessandro d'Antonio, this bronze statue was inaugurated in 2006 and placed behind the church of Santa Maria della Valle, in the place chosen by the people of Scanno in a popular referendum.
The statue depicts a young woman in traditional Scannese dress holding with her right arm the so-called "conca abruzzese," a tool used in the past to carry fresh water from the fountain.
The statue represents a symbol of the local community's strong attachment to its traditions.
Artisan workshops
End your day by exploring the goldsmith stores and numerous artisan workshops located on the village's narrow streets. Here you can buy unique jewelry, a handmade keepsake or a typical gastronomic product to take a piece of Scanno with you.
Suggestions for your itinerary
- Attire: wear comfortable shoes, suitable both for the Heart Trail and for walking on the cobblestone streets of the historic center.
- Water and snacks: bring a water bottle and some snacks to refresh you during the morning, especially if you choose to walk the Heart Trail.
- Camera: don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and picturesque details of the historic center.
Plan your visit to Scanno and get ready to experience a day full of excitement and discovery! For more information on what to see in Scanno in a day, visit our website and start planning your trip. Discover what to see in Scanno and be enchanted by its timeless charm.
