Churches & Cathedrals in Abruzzo

Churches & Cathedrals in Abruzzo, Italy

Churches & Cathedrals in Abruzzo

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What travelers are saying

  • joeyo
    47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A major and very beautiful restoration in progress here following the 2009 earthquake. A once magnificent place it seems to be well on its away to returning to its former elegance
    Written October 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Charlene M
    Vancouver, Canada266 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautifully preserved, steeped in history, and a fine place to spend a few hours. It's located overlooking the sea and you can see the town of Vasto in the distance. A lot of weddings are held here due to the beautiful place, but also there's ample parking, and attentive staff. The original frescoes are wonderful and all the archways held me in awe.
    Written October 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dominique7339
    Ottawa, Canada395 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unfortunately was not open when we arrived. Only open from 1630 to 2030. Amazing life sized sculptures in the garden for the stations of the cross. Beautiful mosaics surrounding the sacred waters. Sparkling clean public toilets by the gift shop in the parking lot.
    Written October 12, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Feelgood
    Munich, Germany85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    L’Aquila is a fantastic city and Basilica San Bernardino is, even though a little offsite of track, is a good place to go - especially in the evenings interesting people and many young people are hanging a round.
    Written August 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alexisdni
    Belfast, UK73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    lovely church, really nice both parts the old and new, and the crypt underneath had a really nice display of the passion of Christ with models.
    Written July 19, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mac C
    New York City, NY327 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is no other way to describe this incredible small chapel which has the most amazing frescoes and is rightly known as the 'Cistine Chapel of Abruzzo'. We were lucky enough to meet a guide who gave us a great description of the church and its wall art. The tour was free but we and others gave the lady a gratuity. This place is small but is a real don't miss. It is not open all the time so check the opening hours out before you go
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Giacomo R
    Milan, Italy6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were going to Scanno and we stopped in this gorgeous Location that we have found on our way. This amazing church is one of the oldest in this Italian Region(Abruzzo)
    If you would like to have a nice rest in a perfect location like this one, you must choose it.
    Written August 18, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dapper777
    Monaco32,690 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is one of the most beautiful churches we have been in, while visiting the central regions of Italy.
    The Cathedral of Teramo, or simply the 'Duomo' of Teramo, is one of the most unique, complex and original things that Italian art has.
    As it appears today, it results from the union of two churches, in which the new one works as the apse of the oldest one.
    The façade, in stone and brick, is square but the majestic, rich cosmatesque portal (1332) by the Roman sculptor Deodato, and the high Gothic spire that crowns it, rising above the cornice and the merlons, create a new dimension and make this singular façade
    completely new.
    The interior, which has a plan divided into three naves, is bare, sober but imposing: the columns come from ancient pagan temples, the vaults have the power of the best things of the Middle Ages and the tabernacle, of Romanesque inspiration, secures the most precious work of art of the church: the famous antependium (the 'paliotto') by Nicola da Guardiagrele, which, with its thirty-five silver panels tells the story of the life of Christ.
    In the middle of the main nave there is a transversal body: it is the Baroque chapel which houses the relics of S. Berardo, transported here from the old cathedral in 1174.
    The Cathedral, (dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and to Saint Berardo, the patron saint of the town), was started in 1158 at the behest of Bishop Guido II and was enlarged in the fourteenth century by order of Bishop Nicolò degli Arcioni.
    Further changes date back to the second half of the 15th and 18th centuries, when the Duomo was transformed according to the Baroque styles, which finally were removed, following a 1932 intervention.
    Influenced by both Romanesque and Gothic artistic currents, the Cathedral boasts two
    façades.
    The first overlooks Piazza Orsini, where you can admire the latest transformations desired by the Bishop Nicolò degli Arcioni, who made substantial changes.
    The rear façade has a simpler and more essential appearance. The lower part is in stone masonry, the upper part has alternating bands of red and brown bricks and stone.The portal, which is walled, has no particular decorations.
    The cathedral also boasts the most beautiful Gothic-Lombard (47 m high) bell tower in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Its impressive construction dates back to the twelfth century but was completed only in 1493 by Antonio da Lodi.
    The most relevant part of the church is the upper one, which shows a varied set of decorations, with glazed yellow and blue terracotta discs,
    Inside, along with the silver antependium, the fifteenth-century polyptych of St. Augustine, made by the Venetian artist Jacobello del Fiore and located in the chapel of San Berardo, is also of considerable artistic importance.
    Even if you aren't particularly religious, the sacred feeling when you enter the doors is remarkable.
    Definitely worth seeing and it should be on your must-see list.
    This was one of the highlights of our vacation.
    To stand in the piazza and take in the size and details of this cathedral was awe-inspiring.
    Written June 4, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ColleenCo
    Pescara, Italy1,022 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a jewel not to be missed: the Cathedral has some exquisite frescoes made in the 1450s which reflect renaissance ideals mixed with life in Abruzzo at that time. Look closely at the pictures and you will see what clothes were worn in Atri at the time as well as what was typical to do or see at a wedding. Some inscriptions are in dialect which again reflected the area.
    Written July 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kpyka
    Piaseczno10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place to visit. Before our visit we have expected big crowds, so when we have arrived at around 3 pm when the church was opened,we were so surprised that there were maybe 10 people there. Therefore we had a chance to contemplate Christs image in an intimate atmosphere. You can get very close to Volto Santo to see all the details. Unforgettable experience!!!
    Written October 9, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DEN77SAN
    Ancona, Italy175 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not suitable for those who have a problem with heights. Also safety railings non-existent.
    interesting history of the Pope who was in office for such a short period of time. Good view of the old Benedictine monastery down below.
    Written July 23, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marco D
    Merano, Italy29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The little church, dating back to the XI century, may not be too impressive to the visitor from the outside, but once you get inside it's a real marvel. The largely Romanic interior with Bizantine influences really belongs to another world. And when you step outside again, you can almost see the monastery, which surrounded it. The Mount Velino becomes an apt background. And if you will look at the church again, you will notice, that the angle of the mountain matches the angle of the roof.
    Written May 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • seattlesez
    Seattle, WA465 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Reconstructed after a WWII battle. The Baroque style cathedral honors St Thomas "Doubting Thomas" the apostle. His remains were brought here during the crusades,
    which testifies to the importance of the city.

    The interpretive sign in Italian refers to a tomb for the remains outsideLuciano.
    Written October 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeet
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a very moving experience. The stairs were the stairs Jesus Christ climbed to his trial with Pontius Pilate. They were brought to Rome in the 4th century by St. Helena. They are marble but currently encased with a protective wood covering. There are a few areas where you can see under glass the marble stairs. You must climb the stairs on your knees. At the top is the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies) which is the personal chapel of many Popes.
    Written May 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 740rupertw
    Rome, Italy18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An interesting tiny village of no more than a few small stone houses and a few larger homes. The Borgo is placed on a smaller hilltop set within the mountains of Abruzzo, a small church sits in the centre of the town with stunning views along the length of the valley.
    The village history dates back to 1400, but was abandoned in the 1950's and has since been carefully restored, probably with funds made available by the Catholic Church.
    The village church must once have been a dignified place of beauty, its small size and bare fittings with small central painted cross icon placed above the alter fitting the small scale of the tiny village, sadly these have since been removed and replaced with badly painted images of Karol Józef Wojtyła, but worse still is the strange large bronze statue placed in front of the church.
    Visitors who are equipped can also bring meat to BBQ at stone fire pits next to the church again with stunning views of the valley in the distance.

    A small B&B lies just beyond the church within the village, but visitors should be aware that at this higher altitude temperatures drop rapidly after dark, however a summer visit in August felt fresh at 25 degrees in the late afternoon.
    Access is by car or trecking in foot, Caravans are prohibited from entering the village. Note visitor numbers must surely start to rise now the village has finally been opened after its restoration.
    Note also what looked like a public toilet opposite to the church had still not been finished when I visited in August 2015.
    In Summary a good place for a short visit, but perhaps nothing beyond an hour max to see: the church and surrounding countryside.
    Written September 1, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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