Fano Adriano
Fano Adriano: exploring the mountain municipality
If you're looking for a mountain destination, away from the chaos of the city, Fano Adriano may be the place for you. This small municipality in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, is located at the foothills of the Gran Sasso d'Italia, within the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga.
The territory of Fano Adriano is completely mountainous and has an elevation range that goes from 330 meters at the border with Montorio al Vomano, up to 2623 meters at the summit of Monte Corvo. The municipal territory is divided into two parts, connected by a narrow arm: the first develops around the hamlet of Cerqueto (Fano Adriano) up to the slopes of Corno Piccolo, while the second part goes from the junction of Pietracamela up to the summit of Monte Corvo, including Colle San Marcello where the municipal capital is located.
The hamlets of Fano Adriano
Fano Adriano has four hamlets, each with its own characteristic. The hamlet of Cerqueto (Fano Adriano) is located around Lake Piaganini and the San Giacomo hydroelectric power plant, and goes up to the slopes of Corno Piccolo. The Prato Selva ski resort, located at about 1400 meters above sea level, is uninhabited but popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The hamlet of Ponte Rio Arno is located at the confluence of the Vomano river and Rio Arno, and is known for the ''House of Gran Sasso,'' a historic building symbol of the national park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, unfortunately demolished in 2019. Finally, the Regimenti hamlet, located at the junction between the State Road 80 and the provincial road 43a, is a small hamlet that had an importance mainly for farming and breeding activities.
Origin of the name
The name Fano Adriano has ancient and uncertain origins. According to some scholars, the toponym could indicate a temple (fanum), while regarding the second element of the name there are no certainties. There are three main theories: according to some, the toponym would have been Fano Troiano or Traiano, from the name of the emperor who would have built the temple on the summit of Colle San Marcello, which later became the Hermitage of the Annunciation, and would have then changed to Adriano due to deformations over the centuries.
What to see in Fano Adriano
Thanks to its beautiful location in the middle of the mountains, Fano Adriano offers numerous opportunities for nature and adventure lovers. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the mountains of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, which offer the possibility of numerous excursions and trekking with breathtaking views. In addition, the Prato Selva ski resort is very enjoyable for winter sports enthusiasts or bike excursions.
Not to be missed is also the Hermitage of the Annunciation, located on the summit of Colle San Marcello, a religious building that offers a beautiful view of the Vomano Valley. Here you can admire the statue of Santa Maria dell'Annunziata, a wooden work attributed to the Franciscan friar Bernardino da Siena.
Finally, Fano Adriano is also a good starting point for visiting neighboring cities, such as Teramo or Ascoli Piceno.
Conclusions
In summary, if you're looking for a mountain destination away from the crowds, Fano Adriano may be the right destination for you. Its natural landscapes, the richness of its artistic and cultural heritage, and the possibility of practicing outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for those seeking a vacation of tranquility and nature.
