Archi is a small Italian village in the region of Abruzzo, sitting on a hill 500m above sea-level and approximately 35km from the Adriatic Coast. The surrounding countryside is covered with olive groves, vineyards, woodland and fruit trees such as apple, apricot, peach, pear and fig.

The plain below is known as the Sangro Valley, thus named because the river which winds its way through the province is called the Sangro.

The climate varies from being very hot (35C+) in the summer months to very cold (0C-) in the winter, when snow can make the village inaccessible, but all year round the sun shines and the sky is "azzurro" (blue).

  ARCHI - Una Bella Citta!
Archi is a maze of small roads and streets all converging to the centrepiece - the Piazza, which plays an important part in the life of the villagers. This is where the locals will congregate to chat or mull around just to see what's going on, and in the summer markets, concerts and dances take place.

'Il Camparino', one of the local bars, benefits greatly from its prominent position in the Piazza, with people popping in and out all day for their coffee, panini, newspapers, ice-cream or a game of cards. The village is basically self-sufficient with a Post Office, Police Station, Doctor, Chemist, Dentist, Architect, Mechanic, Butcher, Baker, Supermarket, numerous shops and a Hotel etc.

  Via Palazzo in the Summer          Via Occidentale in the Winter

Although Archi boasts Medieval Castle ruins and an 18th Century Church, its real appeal is to be found in the friendly people, their traditions and culture. The festivals have a mainly religious basis but song, dance and, above all, food are the main ingredients. The summer months in Abruzzo are filled with 'festas' as the Italians like to celebrate and enjoy life, so there is no shortage of entertainment.

The Italians are very passionate about their football and Archi is no different. A 5 a-side competition (Calcetto) takes place during the summer festival with each major street or zone entering a team, generating interest throughout the whole village. A few years ago Via Palazzo were allowed to keep the trophy after winning for 3 years in succession.

FORZA PALAZZO

The local cuisine is probably among the best in the world and the Italians know how to enjoy their food as practically everything stops around midday for lunch and digestion. A good time for a meander around the streets is just before lunch when the smells of the sauces ooze from the windows and the clamour of forks hitting pots and dishes can be heard along with the frantic storytelling of the mornings events.

For those who like to eat, Italy is a culinary paradise with its pasta in all the different forms eg. spaghetti, penne, gnocchi, linguini, perciatelli, lasagne, ravioli etc., pizza, salami, prosciutto, salsicce, cheeses, fresh vegetables and fruit, not to mention the local wines namely Montepulciano.

CIAO PEPPE!

  The Church - La Chiesa                                 The Fountain - La Fontana