Basilica di Collemaggio (L'Aquila)
Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a catherdral/church located in L'Aquila. The Basillica dates back from the 15th Century. Pope Celestine V is buried here.
In 1274 a hermit named pietro (also founder of the Celestine Order) was travelling through L'Aquila. He stayed the night on the hill known as the "Colle di Maggio". He had a dream while he was there that the virgin Mary (surrounded by angels at the top of a golden stairway) apeared to him and asked him to build a church in her honor.
In 1287 the Celestines bought the land and began to fufill the dream - building a church the following year. The hill "Colle di Maggio" no longer exists as the valley and the city have been filled in during the 19th century. In 1930 further adjustments were made to the local topography in order to improve accessibility to the church.
It is square, a pink and white quilt pattern facade matches its architectuarl designs. It has beautiful rose windows (typically gothic) while the central portal is completly Romanesque. In contrast to the bright exterior, the interior is gloomy and stark.
Following the tragic Earthquake in 2009, it has been reported that the Basillica has been damaged, the wall and dome at the back have collapsed and the front is the only part untouched. The tomb of Celestine V was also damaged. Despite this the basillica is a beautiful and monumental site to visit when you are L'Aquila.
On August 29, 1294 Pietro da Morrone was crowned Pope there, as Celestine V. This is why he is burried their.
In 1274 a hermit named pietro (also founder of the Celestine Order) was travelling through L'Aquila. He stayed the night on the hill known as the "Colle di Maggio". He had a dream while he was there that the virgin Mary (surrounded by angels at the top of a golden stairway) apeared to him and asked him to build a church in her honor.
In 1287 the Celestines bought the land and began to fufill the dream - building a church the following year. The hill "Colle di Maggio" no longer exists as the valley and the city have been filled in during the 19th century. In 1930 further adjustments were made to the local topography in order to improve accessibility to the church.
It is square, a pink and white quilt pattern facade matches its architectuarl designs. It has beautiful rose windows (typically gothic) while the central portal is completly Romanesque. In contrast to the bright exterior, the interior is gloomy and stark.
Following the tragic Earthquake in 2009, it has been reported that the Basillica has been damaged, the wall and dome at the back have collapsed and the front is the only part untouched. The tomb of Celestine V was also damaged. Despite this the basillica is a beautiful and monumental site to visit when you are L'Aquila.
On August 29, 1294 Pietro da Morrone was crowned Pope there, as Celestine V. This is why he is burried their.