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ABRUZZO4U
Web Site For English Speaking Tourists
Religion in Abruzzo
Religion is a very important part of Italian life, with 84% of the population being Roman Catholic (and, of course, Rome is home to the
Vatican).
People and towns celebrate patron saints' days with religious festivals throughout the year (see Days Out - Festivals and Events) and there
are hundreds of Churches and Religious Shrines to be seen everywhere you go:
Christmas
Don't miss the Grotto Di Stiffe caves over the Christmas period.
Also, Rivisondoli (Near Roccaraso) is famous for it's Live Manger
Most Churches will have a Crib of some sort over the Christmas period and are worth a look …. the ones
in Sulmona, and one we saw at Pratola Peligna was quite good.
Easter
Procession in Secinaro …. Carrying a wooden Cross up to the Small Illuminated Cross on the hill,
around the Village and back to the Church.
Special event in the Piazza at Sulmona every Easter .... Don’t miss it!
Local Churches worth a visit
In Secinaro, being your "Local", there are two Churches:
There is an interesting little Church down by the river in Raiano which is normally open during the tourist season. You can get some good
photo shots looking down on the river.
In Sulmona - do a "crawl" round 3 or 4 around the main Piazza, back streets and one at the end of the Park
In L'Aquila (Not possible yet due to the Earthquake in April 2009)
Near to Alba Fucens, Santa Maria In Valle Porclaneta is worth a look just to see how the Architect managed to align the roof with the slope
of the mountain behind (Combine with a visit/picnic to Alba Fucens Castle/Medieval Ruins)
Rome and the Vatican City
The Churches and Religious Monuments in Rome can only be done justice with a couple of days stay and deserve a “Days Out” Page of their
own.
We had Fast Track pre-booked tickets for the Vatican which worked very well for us! (Almost makes you feel guilty for skipping the line, but
not for long)
Christmas at Grotte Di Stiffe
Telling the Easter story in Sulmona
Secinaro Large Church
The Large one at the very top of the village which is still closed and unused following earthquake damage
in 2009
Then the Small one half way up the hill which is in use but we have not visited
inside to date.
Secinaro Small Church
Note: There is useful Parking outside and around the Church, and also along the
road on the way out in Summer when the Village is busy.
Raiano, down by
and over the river
Sulmona Church in the main
piazza
L’Aquila - closed since the
Earthquake in 2009
Santa Maria In Valle
Porcianeta near Alba Fucens
Rome - St Peter’s Basilica
Rome - The Pantheon
Vatican City - St Peter Square