Basilica of St. Mary of Collemaggio
Basilica of St. Mary of Collemaggio, Medieval basilica in L'Aquila, Italy.
Description
The Basilica of St. Mary of Collemaggio is a Romanesque place of worship with a geometric facade of alternating pink and white stones, three doorways, and a Gothic rose window on its front. Inside, the space divides into three aisles with side chapels, while a roof and domes shape the overall structure.
History
The building took shape in the 13th century and received its first Holy Door long before the papal basilica in Rome had one. In 1294, the coronation of Pope Celestine V took place here, giving the site major religious importance.
Culture
The annual Celestinian Forgiveness celebration on August 28-29 draws pilgrims who pass through the Holy Door seeking spiritual grace. This event has been deeply rooted in the city's traditions for centuries, attracting visitors from many places.
Practical
After the 2009 earthquake, the building underwent extensive restoration and reopened to visitors in 2017. Plan your visit around the Celestinian celebrations to experience the cultural highlight, or visit during quieter times for a more focused experience.
Did you know?
This sanctuary holds the first Holy Door in church history, predating the famous one at Saint Peter's Basilica. A fresco shows the Virgin and Child and is part of this unique religious tradition.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (L'Aquila).
The Abruzzes stretch between the peaks of the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. The landscape changes from high mountains to sandy beaches in a few miles. This part of Italy has three parks where hikers and skiers walk the paths in the Gran Sasso and Majella. Along the coast, old fishing platforms...
Palazzo dell'Emiciclo
570 m
Church of Santa Giusta
661 m
Palazzo Centi
672 m
Parco del Sole
217 m
Villa comunale
656 m
Palazzo ex GIL
596 m
Chiesa di San Flaviano
707 m
Organo della basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio all'Aquila
0 m
Casa della Giovane Italiana
705 m
Porta Bazzano
519 m
Orto Botanico dell'Università dell'Aquila
121 m
Santa Maria di Forfona
593 m
Santa Maria di Picenze
523 m
Palazzo Santospago Dragonetti
703 m
Santa Maria del Ponte di Bagno
633 m
Palazzo Alfieri
578 m
Porta Tione
440 m
Santa Maria degli Angeli
572 m
Palazzo Romanelli
608 m
San Paolo dei Barnabiti
579 m
Presidio Ospedaliero di Collemaggio
176 m
Convento dei Crociferi di San Matteo
480 m
Parco del sole
205 m
Palazzo Alfieri Dragonetti de Torres
674 mNarni Column
218 mMurale a Joe Strummer
309 mUomo bionico
299 mBelvedere Porta Tione
462 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes