It is one of the best-known symbols of the architecture of L’Aquila and Abruzzo and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city of L’Aquila.
Founded in 1288 by order of Pietro da Morrone, who was crowned Pope there with the name of Celestine V on 29 August 1294, it stands on a hill in a strategic position for controlling the Bazzano valley and the valley where the ancient sheep track was located, in an intermediate position between the Forconese and Amiternino counties.
The grandiose Basilica of Collemaggio can be admired from afar, walking along Viale Collemaggio, thanks to the uniqueness conferred by the splendid chromatism of its façade.
Its history is, therefore, closely linked to the figure of Celestine V, who in 1294 donated to the city the papal bull that established plenary indulgence for all those who, having repented and confessed, entered the Basilica from the evening of August 28 (the day of the beheading of the Baptist) until the evening of August 29.
