Abbazia di San Clemente a Casauria

About the museum

According to the Chronicon Casauriense, compiled in the second half of the 12th century by the monk Giovanni di Berardo, the abbey was founded in September 871 in a strategic position on the Pescara river, between the Duchy of Spoleto to the north and that of Benevento to the south. The monastery was initially dedicated to the Holy Trinity; later the relics of Saint Clement were transferred there from Rome, granted by Pope Adrian II.

The chronicle records the Saracen raids between 915 and 920, the transfer under papal jurisdiction and the arrival of the Normans. Between the 11th and 12th centuries the abbots Grimoaldo and Leonate commissioned major restoration works on the complex. The abbey achieved a political importance comparable to that of Montecassino, San Vincenzo al Volturno, Farfa and Subiaco.

The church façade is preceded by a portico of three arches supported by columns with historiated capitals. The central bronze portal is decorated with 72 panels and a rich sculptural ensemble that tells the story of the foundation and history of the abbey. The interior has three naves with pointed arches and a raised transept; the crypt is reached by two staircases. Among the furnishings stand out the ambo, the candelabrum for the Paschal candle and the ciborium, and next to the latter the marble reliquary containing the remains of Saint Clement. The abbey also houses the Antiquarium dedicated to Pier Luigi Calore.

Highlights

• Central bronze portal with 72 figurative panels
• Three-arched portico with historiated capitals
• Sculpted ambo, Paschal candelabrum and ciborium
• Crypt reached by two staircases
• Marble reliquary of Saint Clement
• Pier Luigi Calore Antiquarium with archaeological and medieval finds

Permanent exhibitions

• Chiesa abbaziale e cripta – Visit to the medieval church with the bronze portal, ambo, ciborium, Paschal candelabrum and crypt.
• Antiquarium Pier Luigi Calore – Collection of archaeological and medieval finds, dedicated to the scholar who carried out research in the Abruzzo region between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Founded

871

Operated by

Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Abruzzo (Ministero della Cultura)

Visitors per year

approx. 21,600

Admission & discounts

Tickets at the ticket office or via the national portal Musei italiani (museiitaliani.it). Different rates may apply for special evening events.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The crypt is reached by two staircases at the ends of the side aisles.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

Conference room.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The abbey has a conference room.

Plan your visit