Gabriele D’Annunzio

Gabriele D’Annunzio is probably Pescara’s most famous son.  He was a poet, novelist, dramatist and journalist who was always involved in controversy throughout his life – he was a mentor to Mussolini and an avid member of the Italian fascist movement.

His literary works had a huge impact across Europe, and his influence is still seen today.  However, a lot of his work has been affected by his association with his fascist associations.  His most popular poetic work remains as La pioggia nel pineto (The Rain in the Pinewood).

D’Annunzio had three sons with his wife, Maria Hardouin di Gallese, but once again courted controversy in Pescara, by ending the relationship and beginning an affair with an actress called Eleonora Duse.  He also provided Eleonora with parts in his plays.

Remarkably, during World War I he became a fighter pilot and lost an eye during this time.  His ties remained close to Pescara throughout this time, often writing about missing his hometown.  His rank rose to commander and he was highly respected amongst the Italian public at this time.

D’Annunzio died of a stroke at the age of 74 in 1938.  Mussolini gave him a state funeral and he was buried in a wonderful tomb made of white marble in Lake Garda.  He was certainly one of the most striking characters of his day and someone that the Italian public will continue to debate about for many years to come. 

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Saint Cetteus

During the pontificate of Gregory the Great, in the year 590, Saint Cetteus was a bishop in the city of Pescara.  He is now widely known as the Patron Saint of Pescara. 

As legend has it, he was a humanitarian who refused to stay as bishop in Amiternum due to the occupation by two Lombards, Alai and Umbolus.  He only returned after Gregory the Great made promises that the two Lombards would be kind to the people of Amiternum.   Due to a dispute about who occupied the city Umbolus incarcerated Alai and ordered that Cetteus be killed.   Cetteus then had a large stone tied around his neck and was thrown off a bridge into the Aterno-Pescara river.   His body was found by fisherman in Pescara, and they buried him in the church that was to be named after him, San Cetteus.

The story of Saint Cetteus is somewhat legendary, but many accounts have pointed to many believing that it could be largely true.  On October 10^th of each year, there is a feast held in Pescara to commemorate their famous Saint.

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