Teramo is the capital of the northernmost province of Abruzzo. The town has ancient origins and was called Interamnia in Roman times. There are still significant Roman remains, including the Augustan theatre and the amphitheatre, built in the 1st century BC.

There are many beautiful old buildings to admire as well as wide open piazzas, modern shops, parks and a new modern shopping centre (Gran Sasso) just outside the city. The most important historical monument is the 12th century cathedral dedicated to San Berardo, situated between Piazza Martiri della Liberta and Piazza Orsini. Built in both brick and stone, it has a very distinctive and decorative style. The soaring octagonal structure of the belfry has double lancet and oval windows, surrounded by majolica and culminating in a pyramidal cusp.

The beautiful interiors of Sant'Agostino and the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo are fine examples of Baroque architecture. The neo-medieval 'Castello della Monica' is a late 19th century Gothic revival by the painter Gennaro della Monica. Also of interest are the restored 15th century cloisters of San Giovanni, the 14th century of the Palazzo Vescovile and the flamboyant neo-classical Palazzo Delfico.

The Old Town is walled and entered via impressive arches. A few kilometres from the city is Collurania, where there is an astronomical observatory and the Collurania Museum that houses a collection of scientific research instruments.

The spacious and elegant main shopping street is Corso San Giorgio, with its smart porticos. Smaller streets lead off this with more intimate cafes, bars and boutiques. The Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie is outside the city walls and has beautiful cloisters.

The Palazzo Castelli in Corso Cerulli is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in Abruzzo. During the renovation of the nearby Palazzo Savini, a magnificent Roman mosaic was discovered depicting a lion in combat with a serpent.

Teramo is a surprising city - despite being relatively unknown as an Italian city, it has many sights of interest and has an affluent and civilised atmosphere. You will be able to sit in the Piazza eating gelati, drinking espresso and admiring the Cathedral and you will only hear Italian (or Abruzzese!) spoken. Teramo is a 40 minute drive from Villa Mandorla.