Discover Manoppello: Pilgrimage, Nature and Local Culture

Manoppello combines religious tradition, historic buildings, nature experiences and artisan culture to create a diverse destination in Italy.

Pilgrimage and Religious Heritage

The Volto Santo is considered a very thin, almost transparent piece of fabric measuring 17 × 24 cm, bearing the imprint of a man’s face. The image is visible from both sides. This religious tradition is especially evident at the Santuario del Volto Santo, founded in 1620 together with the Capuchin monastery and initially dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.

Manoppello’s religious character also includes the Processione del Volto Santo. It takes place on the third Sunday in May, when the holy image kept in the Basilica is carried through the town’s streets. Another pilgrimage destination is the remains of the San Pietro monastery, to which the faithful from Carovilli continue to make pilgrimages.

The remains of the ancient San Pietro monastery stand on a hill above the Vallebona Valley in the municipality of Manoppello. A footpath leads there from the Piana del Legname. The Piana del Legname also has an equipped picnic area, making it possible to combine a visit to this landscape with time spent outdoors.

Churches, Architecture and Local History

In the Santa Maria Arabona district, the Santa Maria Arabona Abbey dates from the late 12th century. It is the first Cistercian church built in Abruzzo. On its choir wall are three paintings signed by Antonio Martini di Atri and dated 1377—a specific point of interest for anyone including medieval religious buildings and art history in their travel plans.

The historic center is home to numerous small aristocratic palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries. They were built from local stone known as “pietra di Manoppello.” The Chiesa di San Pancrazio complements this architectural setting as a single-nave church in the Romanesque style.

Manoppello stands on the ruins of ancient Samnite and Roman Pollitium. Pollitium was destroyed in the 6th century and rebuilt by the Lombards in the 8th century. Traditional crafts passed down through the generations include forging iron and copper, as well as making household items such as pots, conche and pizzelle molds.

A special example of local building culture is the Casa di Terra Cruda di Santa Maria Arabona. In Manoppello, it is a unique example of an earthen construction in the characteristic Massone building style. Also relevant to visitors interested in history and archaeology is a restored Roman patrician villa with mosaics still intact, which has once again been opened to the public.

Nature and Trails in Majella

Manoppello is part of Majella National Park. The Arboreto Giancarlo Cipressi is home to 90 trees and shrubs, each belonging to a different species.

Several documented trail connections are suitable for walks and longer hikes. The Sentieri delle Capanne in Pietra trail network also includes Manoppello and allows visitors to see numerous significant agro-pastoral complexes made of dry-stone walls on the northern slope of Maiella. The 90-km-long Cammino di Celestino also passes through Manoppello and is fully marked and georeferenced.

Crafts, Products and Fixed Events

Manoppello is home to two artisan workshops producing ceramics and objects made from Majella stone. Extra virgin olive oil and wine are considered typical products of Manoppello. The olive oil is produced by small and medium-sized businesses in the municipality at local oil mills.

Fixed events also shape the local annual calendar. The Asta dei Majtelli takes place on the fourth Sunday in September during the San Rocco e Sant’Emidio festival. During the event, cone-shaped wooden structures decorated with gastronomic gifts are auctioned.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also explore Scafa, Sant'eufemia A Maiella, Picciano, Cugnoli, Caramanico Terme, Elice, Bolognano and Citta' Sant'angelo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pescara.