Dawn Concert — A Step Away from Heaven

A musical awakening on the hills of Cugnoli

The Dawn Concert — A Step Away from Heaven is a summer tradition held in Cugnoli, a hilltop village in the province of Pescara, in the heart of Abruzzo. The event takes place in Contrada Andragona, on the gentle slopes overlooking the Cigno river valley—a location chosen for its open horizon and, on clear days, its view of the sea. Guests are invited to reach the meadow in the early morning, while it is still dark, to witness the slow sunrise accompanied by live music.

The musical program

The concert features a repertoire inspired by cinematic soundtracks, a delicate musical thread designed to accompany the transition from night to day. In recent editions, the stage has been graced by the Nino Rota Ensemble, a group that pays tribute to the music that defined the history of the silver screen. The audience listens while seated on the grass; organizers recommend bringing a blanket, while some hay bales are provided along the meadow.

More than just a concert: breakfast and village tour

The experience goes beyond the music. At the end of the concert, around 7:00 AM, a sweet breakfast with coffee and fresh local products is offered. Afterward, guests can join a guided walk through the historic center of Cugnoli, just minutes from the countryside, wandering through the village's timeless alleys. The town holds treasures of great value, including the Ambone di Nicodemo, a refined example of Abruzzese Romanesque sculpture, and preserves traces of a Roman-era settlement in the areas of Andragona and San Pietro.

Cugnoli, an authentic Abruzzo village

Cugnoli is a small municipality nestled at an altitude of about 331 meters, first mentioned in documents in 1173. The village embraces visitors with its historical heritage and surrounding nature. In recent years, it has become a destination for slow and cultural tourism thanks to the efforts of the Borgo in Movimento ETS association, which promotes the enhancement of the local area. Among its iconic spots is the Arco dell'Amore (Arch of Love), a picturesque corner of the village also linked to a photography contest that accompanies the event.

An event supporting the local area

The Dawn Concert was created as a cultural and charitable initiative: contributions, collected also through a fundraising platform, support the association's activities and the preservation of the village. It is an opportunity to experience inland Abruzzo in an intimate setting, far from mass tourism, in perfect harmony with the hilly landscape and local traditions.