Abbey of the Holy Spirit at Monte Morrone, Romanesque abbey near Monte Morrone, Sulmona, Italy
The Abbey of the Holy Spirit is a complex near Sulmona situated at the base of Monte Morrone with several stone buildings arranged around a monastic area. The church interior follows a Greek-cross layout with decorative elements and artwork from different periods.
The abbey was founded in 1201 and became the principal monastery of the Celestine order under the leadership of Saint Peter Celestine. In the 19th century it lost its religious function and was repurposed for other uses.
The name refers to its location on the slopes of Monte Morrone, a mountain with deep spiritual significance for the region. Visitors can sense how this place drew monks over centuries who sought solitude in this remote setting.
The grounds are accessible on foot and you can explore the outer structures and gardens, though interior access usually requires prior arrangement. It is best to plan your visit outside the hottest hours of the day since the site is fully exposed to sun and walking uphill can be tiring.
The grounds were used as a prison by German forces during World War II, and a memorial plaque remembers resistance fighters executed there. This place thus shows two completely different chapters of its past, from peaceful spirituality to suffering and confrontation.
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