Abbey of San Liberatore a Majella

The Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella, set in the lush landscape of Serramonacesca in the province of Pescara, is one of the most significant examples of Abruzzo's Romanesque architecture. This architectural jewel is also one of the oldest medieval places of worship belonging to the Benedictine Cassinese order in Abruzzo.

Two legends shroud its foundation in mystery. Are you curious to know more? Keep reading and we will take you back in time through the centuries. The first, the oldest one, tells of two Roman patricians who donated to St Benedict himself the land for the settlement. The second, of Carolingian origin, says that it was Charlemagne who wanted the monastery built on this very land to honour his victory in a 781 battle against Longobard forces.

Whatever the more intriguing story, the first reliable documentary evidence of San Liberatore comes from the Memoratorio of the Cassinese abbot Bertario (856-883), which confirms the presence of a monastic community in the area as early as 884.

In 990, an earthquake almost destroyed the monastery. However, thanks to the intervention of Abbot Theobald, appointed in 1007, restoration and extension work began. His efforts went beyond simple reconstruction and focused on the embellishment of the church with the addition of valuable altars and paintings.

Today, the abbey complex is a masterpiece of Abruzzo Romanesque architecture, with a gable façade and a massive bell tower.

The church has three naves, with finely decorated columns and capitals. During your visit, pay attention to these three elements: the 12th-century pulpit, reconstructed with bas-reliefs depicting zoomorphic figures, the architrave of one of the doors leading to the cloister and the monastery residence, where the typical Abruzzo Romanesque floral motif can be seen, and the floor of the nave, which features a rare polychrome geometric composition dating back to 1200.

Now turn your gaze to the apse basin and admire the frescoes adorning it: the oldest, dating back to the 12th century, shows traces of figures of saints, while the second, from the 16th century, portrays the monk Theobald.

The abbey is not only a spiritual place, but also a site of great cultural and scenic value. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it offers an evocative natural setting. A short path leads to the Alento river and a series of waterfalls, as well as rock tombs and gorges, adding further charm to the visit.

A place where the past comes alive, offering a unique and enchanting experience and an opportunity to explore not only the history but also the natural beauty of this part of Abruzzo.

Ph credit: Ra Boe CC BY SA 3.0