Chiesa di Santa Maria di Propezzano, Romanesque church in Morro d'Oro, Italy.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Propezzano is a Romanesque church in the municipality of Morro d'Oro, in the province of Teramo, in the Abruzzo region. The building has three naves separated by large rounded arches and a porch sheltering the main entrance.
According to local tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to three pilgrims at this site in 715, which led to the construction of a first place of worship. The current building took shape between the 10th and 12th centuries and was modified several times over the following centuries.
The church takes its name from a small settlement called Propezzano that no longer exists today. Inside, the frescoes from 1499 show visions and miracles that drew pilgrims from across the region for generations.
The church sits close to the S.S. 80 road between Teramo and Giulianova, near the hamlet of San Nicolò a Tordino, and is easily reached by car. Once in the area, look for signs near the local sports facilities to find the right path to the entrance.
A side door on the left side of the building, known as the Porta Santa, opens only twice a year: on May 10 and on Ascension Day. This practice is tied to old pilgrimage customs and still draws visitors who come specifically for these openings.
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