Casale Mammarella, apartment with garden in L'Aquila
Casale Mammarella is a holiday home in Sant'Elia, on the edge of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. It offers an apartment with a well-kept garden, panoramic terrace, equipped kitchen and private parking. It sits outside the historic centre but close to everything, so it suits families, groups of friends and anyone travelling by car.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Casale Mammarella.
Where Casale Mammarella is and how to get there
Casale Mammarella is in Sant'Elia, in the L'Aquila area, in Abruzzo, along Via Porta Napoli. It sits outside the historic centre and, in my view, that is exactly its strong point. More than one guest writes that the night is completely silent and that by car the Basilica di Collemaggio is a few minutes away.
That said, the car is almost essential. The private parking is much appreciated in the reviews, and the location works well as a base for the Apennines. The property description cites Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore and Rocca Calascio for excursions, and Pescara airport for those who need to arrange transfers. One review describes it as just a stone's throw from the Gran Sasso, and I read that as a way of saying the mountain is close.
What the apartment and outdoor spaces are like
In Sant'Elia you do not get a hotel room but a whole apartment, with its own kitchen and garden. From the reviews it has two double bedrooms, a single and two bathrooms, and a large group once occupied both apartments in the property. Several guests mention recently renovated rooms and bathrooms.
This is what there is, according to the property's details.
- The kitchen. It is equipped with fridge, dishwasher, oven, hob and coffee machine. For a stay of several days it is a huge advantage over a simple room.
- The living room. There is a sitting area with flat-screen TV and cable channels. Wi-Fi is free.
- The bathroom. It is private, with shower and hairdryer.
- Outdoor spaces. Patio, panoramic terrace and a garden that guests describe as well kept and clean, ideal for summer evenings.
The view of the mountains completes the picture. If you love being outdoors, you will spend more time here than you think.
What guests say about Casale Mammarella
On Google it has 4.8 out of 5 with 83 reviews, and in the reviews I read there is not a single low star. The tone is always similar. Several people talk about a kind and helpful owner, cleanliness and a garden that makes you want to stay.
The theme that comes up most often is welcome. One guest says that, more than in a B&B, she felt like part of the family and went back the following year. A group remembers sweets and croissants left at the door on waking, and another enjoyed the breakfast cake. Here is a quick summary.
| What guests like | What to know |
|---|---|
| Silence and a well-kept garden | You are outside the historic centre, so you need a car |
| Cleanliness and renovated rooms | Breakfast is simple, with no buffet |
| Helpful owner and private parking | With dogs it is best to ask first |
What to know before booking
The drawbacks are few, but it is only fair to list them. None is serious, but they could change your choice if you have specific needs.
- You need a car. The centre is close by car, but the house is tucked away. Without your own transport you would struggle to get around.
- Breakfast is simple. One guest describes it as suitable for the property, others remember the cake. Do not expect a hotel buffet.
- Animals. A guest with her small dog was welcomed, but says the owner had some difficulty getting along with the family's dogs. If you travel with a dog, write first and clarify everything.
One last note. Several reviews are a few years old, so I suggest confirming with the property any details that are decisive for you, for example whether both apartments are available if you are a larger group.
Who this holiday home is for
I would choose it for families and groups of friends, because the spaces are generous and the kitchen lets you organise yourselves. It also works well for those coming to L'Aquila for mountain walks who want to return in the evening to a quiet place, with a garden to unwind in.
It is not the right address for those who want to walk into the centre in the evening, nor for those who cannot drive. And if you are looking for hotel services, such as a reception that is always open or a buffet breakfast, it is better to look elsewhere. Here the value is the house, the greenery and the kindness of those who run it.
What to do in L'Aquila and around
From Sant'Elia the Basilica di Collemaggio and the rest of the city are a short drive away, but above all the mountains are. Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore and Rocca Calascio are the places the property itself suggests for excursions and Apennine views.
If you want to compare other options in Abruzzo, you could look at B&B A Casa di Nonna in Massa D'Albe or Locanda Corte Dé Guasconi in Antrosano. For a holiday full of nature and quiet near the regional capital, though, I would keep coming back to Casale Mammarella.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
