Santa Maria di Collemaggio (L'Aquila)
It is the most renowned Basilica in Abruzzo. Its building started in 1287 when Pietro returned from the Council of Lyon. Tt was then consecrated in 1288 and here, in 1294, Pietro was crowned pope. The entrance portal is in Gothic style, the façade is decorated with geometric red-and-white stone patterns. The rose window, a striking example of floral Gothic art, consists of a double row of columns and arches.
The stunning interior includes a nave and two side aisles divided by pillars with an octagonal base; two Baroque altars are in the transept area, of which one has a polychromed terracotta (15th) by Silvestro dell'Aquila, pupil of Donatello. The basilica houses a mausoleum containing the remains of San Pietro Celestino. Every year, from the vespers of August 28th to the vespers of August 29th, the rite of the Forgiveness celebration, first jubilee in the history of Christianity, has been reviving with the opening of the Holy Door, the sole example outside the Vatican.
Learn more on QUILAQUILA