It’s hard to miss this massive abbey in Badia close to the sheer western slopes of the Morrone Mountains. Notable for its monumental staircase, religious frescoes and old pharmacy, its main sights can be seen on a guided tour available in either Italian or English. The abbey also hosts regular art expos and music concerts. Like many religious sites in the area, the abbey owes its existence to the hermit who became Pope Celestine V (aka Pietro da Morrone) whose ‘great refusal’ (abdication) caused political furor in the late 13th century.
The abbey was built as a seat for the Celestine order in the 1200s. Damaged in an earthquake in 1706 it later became a prison. Today, after several restorations, it houses local government offices and the HQ of Majella national park.
