Loreto Aprutino

Meeting point is the church of Santa Maria in Piano.

It is one of the jewels of Abruzzo, its basilica, without transept, confirms its origin dated back to 864 AD, its interior decoration, almost completely frescoed (XIV and XV century) tells stories of saints, Christ and in the counter facade has one of the most intact and elegant Final Judgement of Italy that gained to the church the rank of  National Monument. Of the Judgement we'll admire in particular the Ponte del Capello (bridge of the hair), the Christ in the Almond and St Michael weighing the souls.

In the area Absidale dominates the Baroque altar made of carved wood and the chair decorated with polychrome marble; in the side chapels, frescoes with saints, the Stories of the Virgin, of Christ, of St. Thomas and many votive to Our Lady of Mercy. The tradition says tha the statue  poured in antiquity of a June 15, tears of blood.

From the colle Piano after admiring the picturesque urban organization of the village we follow the panoramic route, stopping to admire and steal some enchanting shots .

This is the best place to contemplate this small nativity set in the hill whose top is inhabited by the great powers, Religious and Civic.

Once in the city center the visit starts at the Porta Castello where you are immersed in the oldest part of the village that leads directly to the Castello Chiola, now a prestigious 4 Star hotel. The main church, San Pietro Aposotolo holds the remains of the ancient patron Tommaso d'Aquino and of the Patrono Zopito to whom is dedicated  a spectaculal celebration on Whit Monday.

In Via del Baio there are the most important palaces and at the end, next to the Cathedral, the Ceramics Museum that tells the story of Baron Giacomo Acerbo and his valuable private collection,  flagship of the Museums of Loreto. Another jewel in the crown of Loreto  is certainly the Oil Museum Exhibition for its quality and location inside the Palazzo Amorotti. Here you can get an idea of the  product of excellence in Loreto Aprutino: the DOP and Organic extra virgin olive oil . The current historic center has ample space to walk around and explore the crafts and food. Walking ther you can find the baker, the potter, the goldsmith, the seller of fabrics and blankets Abruzzo in a handful of meters, i.e. all crafts typical of Abruzzo.