Oratory of San Pellegrino

Nestled in the picturesque village of Bominaco, a small hamlet of Caporciano (in the province of L'Aquila), amidst gentle green hills and the majestic mountains of the Apennines, the Oratory of San Pellegrino stands as a witness to the beauty and spirituality of the Middle Ages. This fascinating 13th-century church, with its simple and austere exterior, conceals within its walls an extraordinary cycle of frescoes that has earned it the title of ‘Abruzzo's Sistine Chapel’.

As soon as you step inside, you will be surrounded by a dazzling range of colours and images depicting sacred and profane stories. Vividly preserved frescoes completely cover the interior walls, illustrating episodes from the Gospels, a Deesis and a liturgical calendar depicting the months of the year with scenes of daily life and zodiac symbols. This cycle is considered one of the oldest pictorial examples of its kind in Europe.

Created by Abruzzo master painters, these works display an exceptional level of technique and artistic expression. The figures, with delicate but expressive features, are set in a symbolic space rich in detail that conveys a deep sense of spirituality and wonder. Don't forget to look at the wooden ceiling, decorated with intricate geometric and floral motifs, which add a further layer of beauty to this sacred space.

The Oratory of San Pellegrino is considered one of the most significant examples of medieval painting in Abruzzo. In addition to its artistic magnificence, it is also a place of great historical relevance. Together with the nearby Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a magnificent 8th century treasure that is also worth a visit, it is part of a monastic complex that was an important religious and cultural centre for centuries. Its walls have witnessed the passage of famous personalities and people of faith throughout history.

Today, the Oratory of San Pellegrino remains a place of peace and contemplation, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in medieval art and rediscover the spiritual legacy that has shaped this site for centuries.

Ph credit: Tourist photographic archive of the Abruzzo Region