What to see in Scanno besides the lake

The historic centre of Scanno is a collection of narrow streets, stairways, small churches and flower-filled balconies: a magical place that holds many stories and traditions of Abruzzo.

The beautiful village is not only famous for its lake. After spending the day on its shores or in a pedalo, you will be enchanted by simply strolling through the narrow streets of Scanno.

Its magic fascinated photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Hilde Lotz-Bauer and Mario Giacomelli, who took the famous photograph "The Child of Scanno", an icon of Abruzzo culture. Professionals and photography enthusiasts find here the ideal place to shoot time that seems to have stopped.

We recommend what to see in beautiful Scanno, before or after relaxing by the lake.

The path of the heart

Lake Scanno is not heart-shaped, but from a particular perspective it can appear to be. This is why so many people love the path that allows you to admire the lake from its most romantic perspective, ideal for photos. The path starts at the lake: follow the SS 479 until you reach a slope, then take the road through the woods towards the Montagna Grande ridge. At a certain point, follow the dirt road that will lead you into the centre of Scanno. A small stretch of road that enters a small wood will take you to the Hermitage of S. Egidio. From the hermitage you climb towards another wooded area that will take you to the top, to the "terrace" where you can see the heart-shaped lake. The route takes about 1 hour, is 2.1 km long and has an altitude difference of 289 metres.

The goldsmith workshops

Scanno is also known for its gold filigree jewellery. Filigree work and the first Abruzzo jewellery models date back to the 1700s, and there are numerous shops and workshops in the village streets that carry on the tradition. L’Amorino, la Circeje, la Sciaquajje, la Presentosa... are just some of the jewels linked to symbolic moments in life such as courtship, engagement, marriage, given by the fiancé or the mother to the future bride. Even today, girls still wear the earrings, necklaces and rings in gold filigree, made in the workshops of Scanno, Sulmona and Guardiagrele.

The costumes and Ju Catenacce

Scanno's strongest distinguishing mark is the traditional women's costume, still worn by many of the elderly women who live in the village. Scanno's women's dress is the most representative of the region, as well as being one of the most original and beautiful. Don’t miss Ju Catenacce on 14 August: a historical re-enactment of a wedding procession, in which the village girls parade the famous dress composed of a wide skirt, bodice and fluffy blouse.

Pan dell’Orso

After a nice walk in the centre, all that remains is to taste the typical Pan dell'Orso. Similar to the Abruzzi parrozzo, it is a pastry made of almonds, honey and chocolate, reminiscent of the small loaves of bread that shepherds used to carry during the transhumance.

Curious to see Scanno? It is located 60 km from the Cipriani Park Hotel. Ask at Reception and we will give you more information on how to get there.