Memorial Giuseppe Celommi

The morning of the Memorial Giuseppe Celommi finds Cologna Spiaggia awakening to the quiet rhythm of the Adriatic. Volunteers from the local FIN committees coordinate the final setup, a tradition for the local swimming community that gathers here each September to honor the memory of Giuseppe Celommi. Participants often return to this stretch of coast, drawn by the technical simplicity of the 2,500-meter course and the opportunity to swim in waters that define the Abruzzo maritime identity. As swimmers prepare on the sand, the atmosphere is focused, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the sea that characterizes this annual event.

The coastal landscape

While navigating the course, swimmers observe the distinct topography of the 'Seven Sisters', the 44-kilometer sequence of beaches stretching from Martinsicuro to Silvi. The seabed here is sandy and characterized by a gradual incline, a contrast to the deeper waters found elsewhere along the region. On the horizon, the hill of Montepagano stands at 285 meters, serving as a permanent landmark for those sighting during the swim. The area is also defined by the proximity to the Tordino river mouth, where historical accounts record the destruction of the city of Castel San Flaviano during the Battle of the Tordino in 1460. This history remains largely submerged, though the archaeological significance of the coast is underscored by the 1986 discovery of a Roman Republican villa nearby, which yielded artifacts such as black-varnished pottery and ancient fibulae.

Race day logistics

For those who prefer a varied calendar, this event serves as a conclusion to the season, whereas swimmers looking for earlier summer challenges might have participated in the 12th Trofeo di Nuoto Città di Giulianova. The race is organized under the auspices of the Circuito Adriatico Acque Libere, providing a structured environment for the 2,500-meter crossing. Further south, the Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area acts as a natural buffer, contributing to the health of the local coastal ecosystem. Swimmers should note the proximity of the sanctuary in nearby Giulianova, where the spring feeding the fountain of the Madonna of the Splendor has been a site of local interest for generations. The event leverages the natural shelter of the coastline, offering a predictable environment for an end-of-summer swim.