The Pearl of the Adriatic, this is how the village of Silvi, a town in the Province of Teramo, is defined, framed by the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic coast and a picturesque view of the Gran Sasso.

Anciently called Silva, in relation to the area’s rich vegetation, or Castel Belfiore or Castrum Silvi (in the Middle Ages), Silvi is located on the slopes of the hills of Città Sant’Angelo and Atri.

It is characterized by a coastal part, Silvi Marina created in the nineteenth century by fishermen who moved closer to the coast, while its historic center is located in the hilly part, Silvi Alta, of medieval origins, from which you can enjoy suggestive panoramas.

The ancient Silvi constitutes the nerve center of the village’s history. The Church of San Salvatore, dating back to 1100, stands right in this part of the village. It is a single-nave building that preserves inside two holy water fonts dating back to the medieval period and some frescoes from the middle of the thirteenth century. Not far away, it’s possible to visit the Church of San Rocco, built in the sixteenth century but later modified during the nineteenth century.

The Torre di Cerrano was born in the sixteenth century as a fortress for spotting Turkish pirate invasions. Its position marks the boundary with Silvi Marina. Right under the tower lies the Port of Adria, of an undatable but very ancient era, representing a place of passage of strategic importance.

Not to be missed are the beautiful sandy beaches with shallow waters of Silvi Marina and the protected marine area of Torre del Cerrano.

Among the most important traditions of Silvi, we find that of Lu Ciancialone. Originating in the 16th century, it commemorates the defeat of the Turkish invaders by the community of Silvi. Legend has it that a young man named Leone came down from the hill with a torch in hand, heading towards the invaders. The torch emitted an ever-brighter light, so much so that the invaders believed an entire army was waiting for them and fled. The event is celebrated on the last Sunday of May in the Silvi Paese district (also called Belvedere di Silvi). In the main square of the village, a large cylinder made of canes, up to ten meters high, is hoisted and burned, around which celebrations continue until the fire dies down.

From the first Friday after the middle of July, until the following Tuesday, the exhibition of the arts and crafts “of once upon a time” is organized. The village of Silvi Alta comes alive with the past through figures of the sailor, carpenter, blacksmith, weaver, and farmer. The streets are animated with ancient workshops, to evoke the medieval atmosphere, and food stalls where you can taste local products. During the evenings, numerous shows and events are organized, such as the donkey race, the sack race, and the famous dance of the doll.