Anversa degli Abruzzi ranked among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages

Anversa degli Abruzzi takes second place among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages: nature, inclusion and wellbeing

At the awards ceremony held on Sunday, Anversa degli Abruzzi was awarded second place in the "Borgo Verde" category, recognising the work of the WWF Gole del Sagittario Reserve and the municipal administration in promoting nature-based wellbeing initiatives.

The flagship initiative is the creation of the region’s first Forest Immersion Centre, launched in 2023 to support mental and physical wellbeing through guided experiences in the protected area. In just two years the programme has involved more than 300 participants, offering accessible paths and activities aimed at breaking down physical, sensory and social barriers.

The Reserve director emphasised that the local natural heritage should be seen not only as a landscape to admire but as a space for care, welcome and inclusion. Local actions have therefore focused on accessibility and community engagement, coordinated among associations, local authorities and citizens.

Related recognition: environmental education and sport

On the same day the Abruzzo Regional Committee of the Italian Swimming Federation awarded the project "Insieme per il mare", accepted by the WWF regional delegate. The initiative aims to spread respect for marine ecosystems, promote sustainable behaviours and swimming activities, with educational races themed on marine species and workshops for children.

• What was rewarded: environmental protection, inclusion and nature-based wellbeing programmes.
• Main project: Forest Immersion Centre (since 2023), with over 300 participants in two years.
• Related activities: environmental education, themed swimming events and youth workshops.
• Why visit: sustainable tourism experiences, accessible trails and community-led initiatives.

Visitors interested in the village and the Reserve’s programmes will find trails through the Gole del Sagittario designed to support wellbeing and collective participation. Local authorities aim to strengthen partnerships and plan further inclusive activities to promote and protect the territory.