🏛️ Vasto – Panoramic Town on the Abruzzo Coast
Vasto lies high above the Adriatic coast and is one of the most fascinating towns in Abruzzo: old, lively, stately – and yet underrated. With its historic centre, impressive views over the coast and well-preserved old town, it offers a unique blend of history, lifestyle and sea views. Strolling through the alleyways of Vasto, you will experience medieval architecture, baroque churches and sweeping views – a place that has not lost time, but has collected it.
🌅Loggia Amblingh – Panoramic View with History
The Loggia Amblingh, a historic arcade along the old city wall, offers the most beautiful view in Vasto.
From here, the view sweeps over the entire bay of Vasto Marina, all the way to the Trabocchi coast.The loggia itself was built in the 18th century and is named after the noble Amblingh family, who once resided here. Today, the extensive walkway serves as a promenade and viewing platform – it is particularly impressive at sunset. Palm trees, lanterns, historic walls and the vast sea form a panorama that leaves a lasting impression. If you really want to see Vasto, you can’t miss this place.
⛪ San Giuseppe – Landmark in the Centre
The church of San Giuseppe stands in the centre of the old town, its tall façade dominating the cityscape. It was originally built in the Middle Ages, but its current appearance is the result of Baroque remodelling. The light-coloured plaster, the elegant portal and the slender bell tower make it an ideal subject for photographers. Inside, San Giuseppe surprises with a simple but harmonious nave. If you visit at the right time of day, you will experience how the light falls through the windows and charges the atmosphere almost magically.
🏰 Castello Caldoresco – Fortress with a View
Not far from the church stands Castello Caldoresco, a medieval fortress overlooking the coast. The thick walls, round towers and massive main portal tell of the strategic importance of Vasto in earlier centuries. Although the castle is not regularly accessible today, its appearance and location on the edge of the old town make it an impressive place for a short break with a panoramic view. Especially in the early morning or in diffuse light, it unfolds its mysterious effect.
🚶♂️ Decelerating through History
Vasto is a wonderful place to explore on foot. The historic centre is compact, the distances are short and almost every corner offers new perspectives. Small cafés, quiet squares, narrow alleyways and expansive views alternate. And if you are out and about with your camera, you will find a new motif at every corner: doors, stone walls, domes, palazzi – Vasto is perfect for anyone who takes the time to really discover places.
🧭 Conclusion: Vasto – a Place to Linger
Vasto is not a city for those in a hurry. It doesn’t make an impact with its major sights, but through the interplay of the historic centre, views and atmosphere. If you are prepared to discover the city on foot, you will be rewarded with quiet moments, walls steeped in history and the feeling that time passes a little more slowly here. Especially from the Loggia Amblingh, where the city’s history meets the sea view, you can realise the magic of this place at your leisure. A place to linger – and to come back to.
📋 The most important information at a glance:
| Topic | Info |
|---|---|
| 📍 Lage | Vasto, Province of Chieti, Abruzzen |
| 🏛️ Highlights | Altstadt, Loggia Amblingh, San Giuseppe, Castello Caldoresco |
| 📸 Best time to visit | Spring and autumn – good light, pleasant climate |
| 🚗 Car park | At 42°6’25.1244 ‘N 14°42’22.1184 “E car park of Stadio Aragona, or 42°06.466”N, 14°42.394’E on the road wheel of Via San Michele, both free of charge, approx. 800m to San Guiseppe |
| 🥾 Recommendation | Comfortable shoes – cobblestones & gentle inclines |
| 🎟️ Admission | Old town freely accessible, fort mostly only from the outside |
📷 Interested in the pictures?
Some of my recordings from Vasto are available from Wirestock:
👉 Click here for the gallery on Wirestock