Tocco – Day 2

Sunday 31st May 2026

We drove north to the winery Torre Raone.  We joined the annual wine festival for the region where the cellar doors are open for the long weekend. Visitors buy a glass for 10 Euro which includes 2 wines of your choice. Between us we sampled the Trebbiano, Cerasuolo (Rose), Montepulciano (similar to a Shiraz).  To accompany our wine, we enjoyed Italian sausage and some bruschetta. After a wander through the cellar, we drove onto the coastal town of Pescara.

After a short stop to sample some ice cream (Mozart packed with roasted hazelnuts being my choice) we drove north to Atri. It is yet another of these beautiful towns perched onto of a hilltop. We visited the Cathedral and the theatre both in the main piazza then wandered further to the palace of the duke which is now the police station.

Atri Cathedral

Atri Cathedral

Atri Cathedral

Atri Cathedral

Atri Cathedral

Atri Theatre

Atri Theatre – looking up

another bell tower

Atri

Atri

Cobblestone roads of Atri

Dinner this evening was a very special occasion. We drove up to Castello di Salle, the Salle Castle for dinner. Our evening was hosted by Gigi and Isoletta. The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built to defend the area from raiding armies. By the 16th century it was transformed into a noble residence. The castle is unusual in its design being built in an L-shape. We climbed up to the terrace to take in the surrounding views. The preservation works are constant and the castle now houses a museum and hosts special functions and events. We were fortunate to be around over the long weekend as the restaurant only opens on special occasions for the public

Castello di Salle