Learn Italian in the Heart of Italy: A Journey Through Language, Culture, and Tradition in Abruzzo

Are you ready to experience Italy beyond the tourist crowds? Madrelingua’s Summer School in Ofena, a charming village in Abruzzo, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in both the Italian language and the vibrant local culture. Whether you’re an expat looking to improve your Italian or a curious traveler eager to dive deep into the authentic Italian lifestyle, our courses will provide you with an unforgettable learning experience.

Where

Hosted in our charming Palazzo in Ofena, in the province of L’Aquila, our residential courses offer a unique and immersive experience in Italian language, cookery, and wine geography.

Nestled between the majestic Gran Sasso National Park and the scenic Tirino River, Ofena is an idyllic location to study, unwind, and discover the heart of Italy. We offer residential courses where you’ll not only learn Italian but also participate in cultural activities, guided excursions, cooking lessons, and wine tastings. This is more than just a language course; it’s a celebration of the rich history and traditions of Abruzzo.

Check below for all practical details. For more information and bookings, contact us at:
📞 +39 375 5262038
📧 info@madrelingua.com

A Unique Experience Inspired by Transhumance

Our courses are inspired by the ancient tradition of transhumance—the seasonal migration of sheep between the mountains of Abruzzo and the plains of Puglia, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This tradition offers a fascinating lens through which you’ll learn about Abruzzo’s culture, history, and the rhythms of rural life. For more information I made here a list of Festivals and traditional events in the course of the year in Abruzzo to help you choose the period that best suits you.

For Residents of Abruzzo

If you already live in Abruzzo and want to refresh your Italian, we have special intensive courses running between April 28th and May 11th, designed just for you! In these courses, you’ll get to know your neighbors better, immerse yourself in local customs, and get a deeper understanding of this beautiful region.

What You’ll Experience:

April – Easter Traditions & Almond Blossom Valleys (April 15-21, 2025 – FULL)

Start your journey by celebrating Easter traditions in the charming towns of Sulmona and the surrounding valleys, where you’ll witness the stunning sight of almond trees in bloom. Discover the region’s rich cultural heritage with visits to local sites and festivals.

  • Extra dates: April 28–May 3, 2025 & May 5–10, 2025 (open for enrollment)

July & August – Festivals & Vibrant Events

During the summer months, Abruzzo comes alive with cultural festivals, including culinary and music events. These spontaneous and authentic experiences will allow you to connect with the local culture in a way no guidebook can provide.

Late August – Perdonanza Celestiniana (August 25–30, 2025)

Dive into history with the Perdonanza Celestiniana, a centuries-old spiritual festival held in L’Aquila from 24-30 August. This annual mini-jubilee blends religious devotion with artistic and cultural celebrations. Plus, all your sins will be forgiven if you walk through the Holy Door of the Basilica di Collemaggio in L’Aquilaa once-a-year opportunity for spiritual renewal. (See Traditions and Festivals in Abruzzo).

September – Wine Harvest & Vineyards (September 22–27, 2025)

Join us in September for a celebration of Abruzzo’s wine culture. Visit local vineyards during the grape harvest and enjoy a wine tasting experience with Barbara, your sommelier-instructor.

October & November – Olive Harvest & Olive Oil Production (September 29–October 4, 2025)

Experience the olive harvest season in Abruzzo! Take part in olive picking, enjoy a picnic, and visit a local frantoio (olive press) to see how extra virgin olive oil is made.

Your Teachers:

At Madrelingua, we offer a team of experienced and passionate instructors who will guide you through every step of your learning journey:

  • Barbara: Founder of Madrelingua in Amsterdam and certified sommelier, Barbara will lead the food and wine activities, bringing her extensive experience in Italian cuisine and culture. As a native Italian speaker fluent in Dutch, English, and Polish, Barbara intimately knows the region and its traditions.
  • Fausto: A renowned artist who complements Italian lessons with guided landscape drawing walks. In Summer 2025, Fausto will lead a community art project in the nearby village of Carrufo.
  • Cinzia: A former geologist at the University of Florence and Italian teacher in the Netherlands, Cinzia is passionate about Italian movies and literature. Her knowledge of Abruzzo’s mountains and canyons will deepen your understanding of the region’s geography and natural beauty.

For Travel Companions:

Not planning to take the course? No worries—your companions can join in the fun too! They can enjoy everything from scenic walks and art lessons to cultural excursions and local activities. Just let us know, and we’ll arrange a memorable experience for everyone.

Practical Details:

  • Course Duration: 6 days, including 5 days of Italian lessons (2 hours daily) and 1 day of cultural activities or excursions, plus a cooking lesson with lunch.
  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a historic palazzo with shared kitchen and library access.
  • Companions: Those not taking courses but sharing a room with students pay a cost refund of €30/night (in double or triple rooms).
  • Pricing:
    • Single Student Package (course, accommodation, activities): €670
    • Two-Person Package (1 student + 1 companion): €850
    • Two Students Sharing a Room: €1100 (€550 per person)

Included:

  • 10 hours of Italian lessons
  • Accommodation in a historic palazzo
  • A cooking workshop and lunch with Nonna Beatrice
  • A wine tasting and vineyard tour

Optional Extras:

  • Excursions to L’Aquila, Sulmona, and local festivals
  • Canoeing on the Tirino River
  • E-bike tours with guides
  • Hiking in the Gran Sasso National Park
  • Olive harvesting days with a picnic and olive press tour

Why Choose Ofena?

Ofena, a picturesque pre-Roman village, is the perfect place to learn Italian and experience the best of Abruzzo. Known as “the oven of Abruzzo” for its sunny climate, the village is famous for its exceptional wines, olive oil, and almonds. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and steeped in history, Ofena is a quiet, authentic place where you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive. The friendly locals are happy to help you with your Italian, whether you’re chatting in the square or enjoying an espresso at the bar. In its alleys, small squares, and surrounding countryside, you’ll discover traces of the region’s rich history.

Known as “the oven of Abruzzo” due to its warm and sunny microclimate, Ofena has been renowned for centuries in the province of L’Aquila for the exceptional quality of its wines, olive oil, and almonds. These cherished crops have shaped not only the local economy but also the landscape, with vineyards, silvery terraced olive groves, and almond trees creating a stunning harmony of nature and human activity. This agricultural tradition is closely intertwined with the ancient practice of transhumance, a sustainable and ingenious way of managing the region’s challenging mountain and upland terrain. Together, these traditions reflect a profound balance between humanity and nature, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Abruzzo’s rural communities.

From here, it’s easy to explore famous destinations like Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and the Stiffe Caves, as well as enjoy a day trip to the nearby Adriatic coast.

Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of Abruzzo, where tradition and nature blend perfectly with the art of learning and sharing.

Book Your Experience Today

For more information and bookings, contact us at:
📞 +39 375 5262038
📧 info@madrelingua.com

We can’t wait to share the wonders of Abruzzo with you! 🌿