Lucoli Alto: Abbey, Chapels and Hiking Route

The Abbey of San Giovanni Battista and several chapels reveal different aspects of Lucoli Alto’s cultural history. The abbey highlights its long institutional development and secluded, wooded setting; the chapels showcase individual dedications, artworks and connections to their locations. This lets you view the area on two scales: through the evolution of a religious complex and through specific, smaller places of worship.

Abbey: History and Architectural Layout

The origins of the Abbey of San Giovanni Battista date back to 1077. It was a Benedictine monastery and was converted into a collegiate church in the mid-15th century. These details mark two distinct stages: the abbey’s early history and its later institutional change. Its location also provides a distinct sense of place. The abbey stands in a secluded, wooded setting between the inhabited settlements of Spogna, Collimento and Lucoli Alto.

A door on one side of the façade leads to the lower-lying cloister and convent. There is a lower arcade and an upper one lined with the monks’ cells. The sequence of the door, the lower-lying cloister and the two levels of arcades makes the architectural layout easy to understand.

Chapels: Location, Dedication and Artworks

The Chapel of Madonna di Peschio Cancelli was built in 1857 at the foot of a rock known as “il Peschio” and is set into the rock. Today, the rock is used for climbing. The chapel and the rock therefore have distinct associations: the chapel is a religious site, while the rock is also used for climbing. It is worth keeping these two aspects separate when considering the site.

The Chapel of Madonna Immacolata is located in a small wood called “Ju Cerqueto” surrounding the Abbey of San Giovanni Battista. Its small Marian altar depicts the Virgin with the Child Jesus, crowned with twelve stars. The Annunciation and the Pietà are shown at the sides. The images on the altar differ: Mary and the Child are at the center, while the side panels depict other religious scenes.

The Chapel of Sant’Antonio is located on an unpaved road between the settlements of Collimento and Lucoli Alto. Inside are an altar with a painting of Saint Anthony of Padua, devotional images and other religious objects. Every year on June 13, the feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua, a Mass is held there at the initiative of the residents of Lucoli Alto. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the event dates in advance.

Hiking Route and Directions

A hiking route described by the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano) descends to the road to Lucoli Alto and then continues into the town. On arrival in Lucoli Alto, there is a large fountain and washhouse on the right. The route description links the descent to the road, the onward walk into town and a specific structure at the point of arrival. It offers a different perspective on Lucoli Alto from the history and artworks of the abbey and chapels.

Discover more destinations: Villetta Barrea, Scontrone, Collettara, Pagliare, Cerchio, Collebrincioni, Pescasseroli, Pratola Peligna

For the broader travel overview: L-Aquila.