The five of us set off at 10 am, heading to the Majella. We had a plan, and our first stop was The Abbey of Saint Liberatore (L’Abbazia Di San Liberatore), Serramonacesca (PE). This was part of a bigger trip to the mountains but the abbey deserves a special mention.
In the car were two Irish and three Swiss. I think it was cosy in the back but I was in the front with a little extra leg room. It was a very cosmopolitan journey; we moved from speaking Italian, to English, to French, to German as we avoided the motorways winding our way to Serramonacesca and the abbey. We took a route, roughly as outlined here, passing Pianella, Cepegatti, Rosciano and Manoppello before reaching our destination.
I knew nothing about the abbey, but one of our group had been there before and said the floors were wonderful and the short walking trail around the grounds was stunning. I’m not big fan of church interiors so I was delighted that there was an interesting walk as part of the deal.
On entering the Abbey I had an instant feeling of being inside something very old indeed. Although it was restored during the period 1967-1971 the current building dates back to around 1000 AD and the mosaic floor dates from 1275. I was most impressed by the pockets of light as they crossed the interior and the feeling of stillness and calm. Unfortunately the light near the faded frescoes wasn’t great, so I don’t think my photograph does them justice.
Once outside we headed down a short, slippery trail that led past wild figs and cobwebs to wooden bridges and a pool with a series of small waterfalls. The canopy of growth allowed little light though, but that added to the atmosphere as we carefully made our way.
Coming out by the side of the abbey it was time to stop and have a picnic. The sandwiches were delicious, grazie Arnaldo! Then up to Le Chateau De Ma Mere, with a view down to where we’d been, for coffee, hot chocolate and cheesecake.
A good trip so far.
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Sounds like a fabulous trip. Your photos are stunning. Would like to follow this trail when I get back to Abruzzo. It’s not too far from where we live. Le Chateau de Ma Mer definitely looks as if it deserves a visit. Thanks for the links.
Waking up to read nice things said about my photographs is a super way to start the day. Thanks Janet.
My pleasure. We went to the abbey today and went on the nature trail walk. It was exactly as you had described it. Had a fabulous time! Unfortunately, Le Chateau de la Mer was closed. Will definitely visit again in the future.
I will be writing up a blog post soon and I will link to your fab blog posting. Thanks for recommending this trip!
I am delighted you enjoyed the abbey and the walk. Thanks for letting me know how you got on.