Nestled between the blue of the Adriatic Sea and the Majella National Park, Chieti is a province of captivating contrasts. Along the coast, the Trabocchi Coast presents a unique spectacle with its ancient fishing piers built on stilts over the water. The provincial capital, Chieti, overlooks this diverse territory from its own historic hilltop perch.
Chieti (CH)
The ancient Marrucini crafted Chieti’s cathedral with exquisite care, though history reveals one glaring oversight – no feline consultant was present at the drafting table. Centuries later, Gigia arrived to correct this injustice, conducting her solemn Duomo Diagnostics™ with the precision of a four-legged foreman. As she held court in Piazza San Giustino, the cathedral’s 11th-century striped marble facade seemed to stand just a touch prouder beneath her emerald-eyed inspection.
But Chieti’s true magic unfolds beyond its provincial capital, in the surrounding landscape where time moves differently. The journey to Pennedomo’s Belvedere became its own pilgrimage – a grueling climb up sun-baked switchbacks where even the cicadas fell silent in the afternoon heat. Halfway up, at a simple shrine to the Madonna, Gigia paused unexpectedly. With uncharacteristic solemnity, she touched her nose to the flowers left by previous travelers – a moment of quiet reverence before continuing her ascent to where the entire Val Pescara spread out like a promised land.
Elsewhere, in Montelapiano, she navigated the village’s artistic stone steps with a mountaineer’s focus, while at Riserva Naturale dei Ripari di Giobbe, she transformed into a coastal explorer, disappearing into sea-sculpted rock formations with such determination her humans nearly needed a search party.
Back in Chieti, history was made at the Museo archeologico nazionale d’Abruzzo where she became the first feline granted a private viewing of the Capestrano Warrior. Curators still speak in hushed tones about how she circled the 6th-century BC statue with what could only be described as professional recognition between warriors across millennia.
Chieti may boast three millennia of history, but only now – with every sunbeam measured for napping potential, every shrine respectfully acknowledged, and each ancient artifact properly inspected – has this corner of Abruzzo truly been perfected. The Marrucini built monuments, but Gigia has curated a living legacy, one reverent pause and archaeological breakthrough at a time.
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Vasto (CH)
Perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Vasto is known for its golden beaches, olive oil production, and historic landmarks like the Loggia Amblingh, a stunning 16th-century belvedere offering jaw-dropping sea views that could make even a cat pause and admire the horizon. From the panoramic vistas of the Loggia to the intricate beauty of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Gigia insisted on inspecting every detail in person—even if it meant strutting around the outside of the church like a feline archaeologist on a mission.
But the real star of the show? Punta Aderci, the most beautiful beach Gigia has ever set paw on. She lounged in the sun, her fur gleaming like a beachgoer fresh out of the spa, enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the reserve’s scenic paths, and soaked up the salty breeze like a true seaside queen. While she loved the occasional seagull sighting (from a safe distance, of course), she wisely kept her paws dry and avoided the waves—because even the most adventurous cats know when to draw the line.
With Gigia stealing the show at every turn, even a seaside paradise felt a little more magical. Who needs a tour guide when you’ve got a cat who can turn a city visit into an adventure—and still look fabulous doing it?
