We then drove up into the mountains toward the area that was so damaged by the L’Aquila earthquake nearly six years ago. In the village of Tossicia there is a small church with a carved lintel that we wanted to see because of the small labyrinth that is carved on it, next to Mary’s head. It is still visible, though it is now cordoned off as a construction zone, and clearly there is much work still to be done.
From Tossicia, we drove on to the walled city of Termoli on the east coast of the country… our room for the night overlooks the Adriatic Sea and the protected harbour which made this 7th century city so strategic. Although it was starting to rain by the time we arrived, we couldn’t resist heading out into the elements to explore the streets and buildings.
The storm is raging now, and we’re tucked up early, with good books and warm blankets. Our day has been full as we’ve walked, climbed, and wandered.