A journey between history and religion

Teramo – San Gabriele – Atri

Just 15 minutes from Campli we find Teramo, a city rich in history, culture and architectural beauties. Here we find the remains of a glorious and ancient past such as the Roman Theater, the Amphitheater and the thermal springs of some Roman villas, the best known is the Domus of Leone, named for the famous mosaic found inside which represents a Lion. One of the most evocative churches to visit is the ancient Basilica of San Berardo, located in Piazza dei Martiri della Libertà, undoubtedly the most beautiful in the historic center. Not far away, in Piazza Santa Anna we find the Church of Sant’Anna dei Pompetti which, together with the Church of Santa Caterina, were once part of the complex of the Ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Aprutiensis.
Also worth seeing is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, dating back to the mid-1100s.

Continuing our itinerary we reach one of the most famous and visited places of worship in Abruzzo: every year, more than 2 million faithful visit the Sanctuary of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata located in Isola del Gran Sasso. Here are preserved the remains of St. Gabriel, the patron saint of Abruzzo and of young people. To accommodate the huge flow of pilgrims and faithful from all over the world, the new church was built next to the ancient church built in 1908 in the 1970s, a modern structure in reinforced concrete, glass and steel. The remains of the saint are kept in the ancient Church during the winter while, in the summer, at the time of greatest influx of faithful, they are moved to the new Church. 

We conclude our journey by reaching Atri, considered one of the oldest towns in Abruzzo. Within its walls we can admire the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, considered one of the best examples of Abruzzo architecture, built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. On its façade, majestic and imposing, we find a magnificent 12-spoke wheel rose window whose author is unknown. Under the rose window we can admire a splendid portal made by Raimondo del Poggio and Rinaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The bell tower of the Basilica, on the other hand, was completed only in 1502 by Antonio from Lodi and is particular since its base is located within the church itself.