Montorio Al Vomano: Churches, History and Excursions

Montorio Al Vomano combines a historic centre with churches, local traditions and routes through the countryside. Medieval palaces and monuments of considerable artistic value shape the town centre.

Historic Centre and Notable Churches

Among the buildings is the Chiesa degli Zoccolanti, also known as the Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione. Its present architectural form dates from 1755. Its single-nave interior contains a painted wooden organ and five stone altars with Rococo stucco decoration. A cloister with noble coats of arms from the 18th century has also survived from the former Zoccolanti monastery.

The Chiesa dei Cappuccini, also known as S. Maria della Salute, was founded in 1576. The Chiesa di S. Antonio contains a 16th-century holy water font decorated with depictions of aquatic animals and medallions, as well as an important 17th-century wooden confessional.

The Chiesa di S. Filippo Neri also reflects several historical phases of development. The church was built in the 17th century and extensively remodelled in the 18th century. Its portal decoration, dating from 1724, includes half-columns, demonic masks, winged angel heads and a central coat of arms. The Chiesa di S. Rocco is a Baroque parish church; its façade shows construction phases from 1527 and 1549.

History, Festival Traditions and Local Games

In Villa Brozzi stands the Chiesa di S. Maria di Brecciano, with a single-nave interior and a painted, coffered wooden ceiling. The remains of an imperial-era villa were found beneath the church. Another historical connection leads to the Tempio di Ercole: its remains were discovered in 1865 by the archaeologist Felice Barnabei. The Chiesa della Madonna della Sgrima is a historic Marian shrine whose existence has been documented since 1324.

Montorio Al Vomano's cultural character is expressed by more than its buildings. The Carnevale murte tradition originated in 1929 and takes the form of a satirical funeral on Ash Wednesday. STÙ is a traditional card game from Montorio al Vomano, played with Cucco cards during the Christmas season.

Routes for Cars, Bicycles and Motorcycles

The Strada del Parco can be travelled by car, bicycle or motorcycle. It follows the characteristic section of the former State Road 80 between Montorio al Vomano and Amiternum via the Passo delle Capannelle.

An official circular route leads from Montorio al Vomano via Cortino and back to Montorio al Vomano. The two routes differ in their form: the Strada del Parco follows a characteristic stretch of road, while the circular route returns to its starting point.

Practical Information for Visitors

Access to the Chiesa della Madonna della Sgrima is via several steps; there are no ramps for people with disabilities. This specific access should therefore be taken into account when planning your day.

Explore More Destinations

If you would like to add more places to your travel plans, you can also discover Campli, Tossicia, Atri, Cologna Paese, Arsita, Silvi Paese, Castelli and Colleranesco.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Teramo.