Pescara, city and port, central Italy, capital of Pescara Province, in Abruzzi Region, on the Adriatic Sea, at the mouth of the Pescara River. It is a seaside resort as well as a fishing port and a road and rail junction. Products of the city's industries include refined sulfur, metal goods, glass, furniture, textiles, cement, dyes, liquor, macaroni, scales, and soap. Pescara is the birthplace of the Italian poet-patriot Gabriele D'Annunzio. It was called Aternum (or Ostia Aterni) by the Romans, who took it in 214 BC. The city was badly damaged in World War II. Population (1999 estimate) 116,837.