L'Aquila Places of Worship & Religious Sites

Built in the late 13th century by Pope Celestine V, formerly known as the hermit Pietro da Morrone, the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio has an intricate and striking facade of pink and white marble. Forced to abdicate due to underground politics, Celestine was thrown in jail, where he died a short time later. Ironically, as one on the founders of the Celestine order, he was canonised seven years later, and his body is entombed at the basilica.