A traditionnal Abruzzo village: San Giovanni Lipio

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Overview

San Giovanni Lipioni, Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy Photo - Abruzzo, Italy

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San Giovanni Lipioni is a little jewel of a village. Located in the province of Chieti, at the boder of Abbruzzo and Molise, it's part of the Val del Trigno villages, a necklace of small villages and town spread on both side of the Trigno river in the mountainous interior of Italy. This is were my father's family is from. The village has around 300 inhabitants year round but when summer comes, extended families are coming back be it from the cities of Vasto or San Salvo, from the four corners of Italy, Europe, and even the world (Argentina, Canada and the US). Then, the population quadruples! Indeed, life was hard in this rural communitty and many have searched better fortune outside of it. but still,...Read More

San Giovanni Lipioni is a little jewel of a village. Located in the province of Chieti, at the boder of Abbruzzo and Molise, it's part of the Val del Trigno villages, a necklace of small villages and town spread on both side of the Trigno river in the mountainous interior of Italy. This is were my father's family is from. The village has around 300 inhabitants year round but when summer comes, extended families are coming back be it from the cities of Vasto or San Salvo, from the four corners of Italy, Europe, and even the world (Argentina, Canada and the US). Then, the population quadruples! Indeed, life was hard in this rural communitty and many have searched better fortune outside of it. but still, they come back. And their children and grandchildren.

San Giovanni is small but rich in culture. The area was settled by Italics before the Roman took over. A beautiful bronze head from 300 BC has been found in a field and it now lies at the National Library in Paris. The Chapel of Santa Liberata is also a registered building.

The best time to visit is on May 1st for the "Majo" procession but also in Mid-August for "Sagne Pezzatte" fair and the celebration of the Assumption. Because young people are leaving the village at accelerated rate and the elderly who decided to stay are not eternal, the village may well be in danger (although it doesn't appear like that in the summer).

So, if you like off the beaten track tourism and visit an authentic Abbruzzo village, drop by. You'll be welcome with open arms.

Quick Tips:

Visit the church of Santa Maria delle Grazia, the Chapell of Santa Liberata, have fun during the "Sagne 'Pezzate" fair, hiking in the mountains...

Best Way To Get Around:

Even though it is such a small village, there is a bus service that will take the traveller to San Salvo and/or Vasto and back.It also stops at the San Salvo-Vasto station (and from there, you can take the train that rides all along the Adriatic Coast), change in Pescara if you need to go to Rome. The bus comes early in the morning (around 6:30)and its service is aimed to transport people who are working in the cities. You can catch it on Largo del Popolo. It makes a circle through Torrebruna and Celenza sul Trigno before going to San Salvo, Vasto Marina and Vasto. Two buses will take you back in the afternoon (around 1:30 and around 4:30). Attention, there is no stop signs for the bus, you'll have to remember where you stepped off. And If someone can give you a lift to the interesction with the main highway, you can catch one of the numerous buses that go to Rome or other destinations. If you missed the last bus to town, a taxi can take you (but it's going to cost!).

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Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie

Attraction

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Catholicism is big in Italy, and even in the smallest village, the church will usually be one of the most beautiful building in town. The Church of Santa Maria is no exception. It was rebuilt in 1726 with baroque details (visible in the gate of the church). Its tower is particularly elegant with its octagonal topping and wrought iron finition. Inside the church, you will find some medieval statues (amongst them the statue of San Giovanni) and paintings made by a local artist. A lovely church! The funny thing is, for such a small village, there are two churches, one Catholic and one Protestant. San Giovanni has a tiny Valdese denomination Protestant community and service is held in a small house on...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 19, 2004

Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie
Largo della Chiesa 1
San Giovanni Lipioni, Italy

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Bar dello Sport

Attraction

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Believe it or not, there is a nightlife in San Giovanni. During the summer, that is. This bar is the only one in the village and is open early. You can enjoy a coffee while reading your newspaper when the sun is not too hot. In the late afternoon, older (and not so old) gentlemen gather to play a round of cards or two, and after dinner, the place is invaded by young people. When the summer night breeze is blowing and everybody gathers on the main square, the little terrace is great for people watching and you're sure to find someone to talk to. The drinks are cheap and they have ice cream! The bar has an arcade game (usually monopolized by kids) and a foosball table. If you happen to be there during a...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 19, 2004

Bar dello Sport
Piazza Largo del Popolo
San Giovanni Lipioni, Italy

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How to get in and out with a bus

Story/Tip

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Even though it is such a small village, there is a bus service that will take the traveller to San Salvo and/or Vasto and back. It also stops at the San Salvo-Vasto station (and from there, you can take the train that rides all along the Adriatic Coast), change trains in Pescara if you need to go to Rome. The bus comes early in the morning (around 6:30) and its service is aimed to transport people who are working in the cities. You can catch it on Largo del Popolo. It makes a circle through Torrebruna and Celenza sul Trigno before going to San Salvo, Vasto Marina and Vasto. Two buses will take you back in the afternoon (around 1:30 and around 4:30). Attention, there are no stop signs for the bus, you'...Read More

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