They routes are 'Sulle vie dei Trabocchi', 'Sulle Orme dei Camosci' and 'Le Strade del Sacro e Del Profano'. They stretch from the coast at Francavilla al Mare to Vasto and into the hinterland to places such as Bomba, Mozzagrogna and Filetto.

The trabocchi are those characteristic huts built on stilts which hover above the crashing waves of the Adriatic. They were used by local fishermen who, we guess, would practically live in them until they achieved a sufficient catch.

The 'camosci' are the shy chamois deer who inhabit the Abruzzo mountains, while the final itinerary opens the visitor's eyes to regional folklore and pagan superstition which is still present . The route takes in market towns, tiny villages, feast days and processions.

Tollo had the misfortune of holding the German frontline during the Second War War when the Allies landed in Orotna. The resulting bombardment left it in ruins. The town's archives were lost and all historical records went up in flames.

2008 also saw the first historical re-enactment of events from the period. Perhaps this is why the setting up of the above routes is so important to regain a sense of identity from the land.

Although the Church of Assunta sitting at the highest point of the town seems original, it was in fact rebuilt 55 years ago.

What we do know is that Tollo was an Etruscan settlement before becoming occupied by the Romans, Longobards, Spanish and French. Some classical votives from the area do exist in the Archaeological Museum of Chieti.

Perhaps a good time to visit Tollo is the first Sunday of August. The town remembers the day in 1566 when the inhabitants were finally able to defeat marauding Turkish pirates thanks to the appearance of the Madonna del Rosario. The battle is re-enacted every year.

www.comune.tollo.ch.it