Giulianova Revisited
A Perfect Holiday Spot in Two Volumes
The very first time I went to Italy more than 20 years ago, I stayed in the northern part of the Abruzzo region. It is by all standards a typical seaside area, but that didn’t prevent me from falling passionately in love with the town Giulianova. I was completely charmed by the cafes, the palm trees, the Saturday morning market, pretty palazzos and slow provincial atmosphere, and I have been recommending the town as a holiday destination ever since.
Yet for some reason, I have not been back to Giulianova until earlier this year, and like most juvenile infatuations, the reality did not quite match my romantic visions. The town is split in two, known as Giulianova Lido and Giulianova Alta, and all the hotels and restaurants cling to the seaside, while the good-looking houses stand alone on top of a hill with a magnificent view.
The attractions are quickly done with, unless you plan to spend a day at the beach. So after a couple of uneventful rounds on Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi and Piazza della Libertà among wild dogs. Stone statues of the local sculptor Raffaello Pagliaccetti and his take on Vittorio Emmanuele. And a chapel commemorating some local archaeologist, historian, poet and economist, we decided to move on. Giulianova is still unchanged as a nice, quiet holiday spot, but for me the memory is even better.
Have you ever revisited a place which meant a lot to you at a certain time and what was your reaction?
More on places and sights near Giulianova
Sights around Teramo in Abruzzo
I haven’t been to Giulianova and after reading this I’m not so motivated to go. I lived in Thailand for 2 years and would like to go back but am afraid it won’t be how I remembered it.
I didn’t mean to demotivate anyone from visiting Giulianova. It’s a real nice place and you might find the thrill I discovered the first time there. It’s just something about going back after years apart that doesn’t always appeal to me.
It’s so true that sometimes it’s the “time” not just the “place” that made a place special. So when we go back, it’s not quite the same. I keep that in mind before I revisit a place hoping I won’t be disappointed.
That is so well put, Cathy. Thanks.