"Traditionnal Abruzzo village: San Giovanni Lipioni" San Giovanni Lipioni by melissa_bel

San Giovanni Lipioni Travel Guide: 3 reviews and 4 photos

A view of the village from the cemetary - San Giovanni Lipioni

San Giovanni Lipioni is a hidden gem. 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.

A small street

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

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quiet, typical Abbruzzo mountain village, warm people, lots of trekking to do.
Cons:Not for those who like high-powered vacations

Last visit to San Giovanni Lipioni: Aug 2003
Intro Updated Jul 19, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (3)

The chiurch, seen from afar. - San Giovanni Lipioni

Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie Things to Do (1)

Catholicism is big in Italy and even in the smallest village, the church will usually be one of the most beautiful... more travel advice

Gentlemen play cards on the terrace of the bar - San Giovanni Lipioni

The only "nightspot" Nightlife (1)

Believe it or not but there is a nightlife in San Giovanni. During the summer that is. This Bar is the only one in the... more travel advice

Buses Local Customs (1)

Even though it is such a small village, there is a bus service that will take the traveller to San Salvo and/or Vasto... more travel advice

Have you been to San Giovanni Lipioni? Share your travels with the world!

Comments (5)

Reply
- Report abuse
jamiesno Dec 20, 2004 at 6:13 AM

Italy looks beautiful here in your pictures. I bet going into this smaller places and meeting the local people would be cool.
Reply
- Report abuse
craic Sep 13, 2004 at 11:16 PM

I love to read your Italy pages. (More!!!! More!!!)
Reply
- Report abuse
SFHulaGIrl Aug 27, 2004 at 4:08 PM

Looks like a charming little town!
Reply
- Report abuse
belgianchocolate Aug 27, 2004 at 4:01 PM

**wink** this is exactly one of those place I was talking about. ;-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Norali Aug 8, 2004 at 2:41 PM

looks really small, small... :-)