Penne, Abruzzo

Penne
Pònne (Neapolitan)
Comune di Penne
Location of Penne
Penne
Location of Penne in Italy
Penne
Penne (Abruzzo)
Coordinates: 42°27′N 13°55′E / 42.450°N 13.917°E / 42.450; 13.917
CountryItaly
RegionAbruzzo
ProvincePescara (PE)
FrazioniBaricelle, Casale, Collalto, Colle d'Omero, Colle Formica, Colle Maggio, Colle San Giovanni, Colle Sant'Angelo, Colle Stella, Colletrotta, Conaprato, Mallo, Pagliari, Ponte Sant'Antonio, Porta Caldaia, Roccafinadamo, San Pellegrino, Serpacchio, Teto, Villa Degna
Government
  MayorGilberto Petrucci
Area
  Total
91 km2 (35 sq mi)
Elevation
438 m (1,437 ft)
Population
 (November 30, 2014)
  Total
12,451
  Density140/km2 (350/sq mi)
DemonymPennesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
65017
Dialing code085
Patron saintSt. Maximus
Saint dayMay 7
WebsiteOfficial website

Penne (Italian pronunciation: [ˈpenne], locally [ˈpɛnne]; Pònne in the local dialect) is an Italian town in the province of Pescara, in the Abruzzo region, in mid-southern Italy. According to the last census in 2014 the population was 12,451. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").

Penne is today among the most important towns in the Vestini area, sitting in the hills between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea and opening the way for the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga through the Regional Natural Reserve "Lake of Penne".

The widespread use of bricks in every historical building and paving gave Penne the appellation of "Città del mattone", i.e. the "Town of Bricks". In 2006, Penne was awarded the Silver Medal of Civic Merit for events suffered during World War II.

The economy of Penne is driven mainly by tourism, agriculture, the regional hospital and Brioni, the Italian fashion house whose suits are still hand sewn by Pennese women.

In November 2017, Penne was chosen as the starting point for Stage 10 of the 2018 Giro d'Italia. Cyclists left from Penne and climbed to Rigopiano and then beyond to Umbria.