Basilica di Collemaggio

The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio is certainly the most important religious building in the city of L’Aquila; a monument of great significance for Christianity, around which many legends revolve, particularly those related to Pope Celestine V and the Templars.

Founded in 1288 at the request of Pietro da Morrone — who was crowned pope here under the name Celestine V on August 29, 1294 — it is considered the highest expression of Abruzzese architecture, as well as a symbol of the city, and was declared a national monument in 1902. Since 1327, it has housed the remains of the pope, which are currently preserved inside the mausoleum of Celestine V.
It is the site of an annual jubilee, the first in history, established by the Bull of Forgiveness on September 29, 1294. Today known as the Perdonanza Celestiniana, it has been included by UNESCO among the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a result, the basilica features a Holy Door on its side façade, which is opened every August to celebrate the Perdonanza.
Many legends are linked to the Templars, and several symbols found in the basilica bear witness to this connection.