Guardiagrele

Guardiagrele (Italian pronunciation: [ɡuardiaˈɡreːle]; Abruzzese: La 'Uàrdije; Latin: Guardia Graelis) is a town and comune in the province of Chieti, part of the Abruzzo region of central Italy. It is in the foothills of the Maiella mountain at an elevation of around 576 metres (1,890 ft). Its population numbers about 10,000. Commenting on the views of the mountains and valleys of the Maiella visible from some points in the town, the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio nicknamed Guardiagrele la terrazza d'Abruzzo ("Abruzzo's terrace"). Guardiagrele is the seat of the Maiella National Park, and is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy"). It is a member of Cittaslow. The closest airport is Abruzzo Airport, which is 25 miles distance. The closest beach is Ortona, which is 18 miles drive. The town has several hospitals, one of which is Ospedale di Guardiagrele. The nearest train station is in Chieti, 16 miles away.