Vasto Travel Guide

Palazzo d'Avalos is the finest building in Vasto... it's a square construction with a large courtyard at the centre, where at night, in summer, there are plenty of excellent and free concerts. The couryard, in the past, used to be a garden - the garden of delice. The palace as you see it today dates back to 1427, although some more recent alterations were made - especially the fountains with their games of water have gone.

It is possible to visit the palace, because it is now the home of two distinct museums: the civic museum (about the history of vasto and old traditions) and an art gallery. In front of the palace there's a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the big war.

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This beautiful cathedral was built in 1293, and the architecture is splendid - at least outside. Inside things are different - first of all it is not so old: the turks burned it in 1505, and what was not ruined by the turks was ruined by local people, during the 1890 renovation. it is now all in gothic style.

The best part of the cathedral is the rose window that you can see in the picture - the decorations are very intricate and yet look very light... At night it's quite a sight.

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This castle dates back to the first half of the 15th century and was built over another existing castle. Caldoresco comes from Giacomo Caldora, the man who came to aid Vasto people against the troops of King Ferdinand I of Aragon.

After having served as defensive purposes, between 1605 and 1697 it served as a prison and courtroom... and then, in the first half of the 19th century, as a private home. Now it's a monument and exhibition hall for various events.

While the structure is looks as it would have been when it was built, you have to keep in mind that - originally - there would be more than the two existing towers.

Who is this man to whom Vasto's main square id dedicated? Gabriele Rossetti... the name rang a bell - almost, but there was still something missing, something wrong. Gabriele Rossetti was a Vasto-born poet who moved to England, to write and teach... it's also the place where he died.

He eventually died in London and left 4 kids... two of them were to become "big names" in the English literary world: Dante Gabriele Rossetti and Cristina Rossetti. THis is how I found out why the bell started ringing: I had studied them both, but had never learned much about their origins.

The tower of Bassano is located in the older part of town of Vasto paese, and originally this is where the city walls would run. It's circular, made of bricks and was built in 1439 by the marquis of Bassano. Nowadays it has been incorporated in the city plan and it is attached to a private home.

When it was built, thanks to the defensive walls, it was connected with the Castello Caldoresco (Caldoresco castle).

The most central and busiest beach in Vasto Marina, located north of Vasto Marina, Unfortunately, a big part of the beach is "private" that means that companies running snack-bars and umbrella and chairs businesses have a concession which means that the space is taken. You can stay there of course, but you won't have much room. It's very common for Italians to rent a space for the whole summer season. A piece of public beach still remains near the "Sirenetta". The advantage is, you won't get thirsty or hungry and they have lavatories. The waters of Vasto have, once again, received the Blue Flag award for the quality and cleanliness of its water. So gp ahead and enjoy! You'll also find beach-volley facilities.

If you don't have car, getting to Vasto is quite easy!
You will need to catch a train from Roma Tiburtina to Pescara Centrale and from there, take another train to Vasto.
The first train leaves at 7:45, then 10:36, 12:46; 14:03 and the last one you can take without arriving too late is 16:12 because the trip is 5-5h30. It will cost EUR 16,94. I must say it is quite worth it because the train is crossing the scenic Appenin mountain range and it's a sight to see! Abruzzo is one of the wildest region and on the way, you will be able to see why it's one of the few untouched area in Italy. It will be hard not to want to get off the train! Important stops along the way are Avezzano, Sulmona and Chieti. Taking the train from Pescara to Vasto is different are the train is following the coast, going through the different sea towns along the way and you'll see a lot of the Big Blue!
Now... the train station is the in an odd place. No doubt by wanting to do some savings and not have to build 2 stations for Vasto and neighbouring San Salvo, the train station has been built just right in the middle! Which is not practical at all for the traveller! Hopefully, you will be able to catch a bus to town or you can take a taxi (go to the station's bar and you'll find the number).