Abbazia di Santo Spirito al Morrone
Large Celestinian abbey on the slopes of the Morrone, near Sulmona: 18th-century church, courtyards, frescoed refectory, Cantelmo-Caldora chapel and exhibition spaces.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The complex, of about 16,600 square metres, stands about 5 kilometres from Sulmona, on the slopes of the Morrone, and was the main settlement of the Celestines. Its origins go back to Pietro di Angelerio, later Pope Celestine V, who began its construction; in 1293 the General Chapter was held here and the abbey became the mother house of the Order.
After the earthquake of 1706 major works were carried out, including the construction of the 18th-century church. In 1806 the monks left the abbey as a result of the Napoleonic suppression; in the following decades the complex served as a college, a hospice and a military quarter and, from 1868 to 1993, as a prison. In 1998 it passed to the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities, and since 2014 it has been managed by the Direzione regionale Musei Abruzzo; today it also temporarily hosts the Ente Parco nazionale della Majella.
The visit includes the Cortile dei Platani, the abbey church, access to the crypt, the Cortile dei Nobili and the Cortile del Pozzo, the refectory with monochrome paintings by Friar Joseph Martinez (1717–1719) and stucco decorations, the monumental staircase in white Majella stone and the exhibition spaces on the first floor. The 15th-century Cantelmo-Caldora chapel is temporarily closed for restoration.
Highlights
- Cortile dei Platani and 18th-century abbey church
- Refectory with monochrome paintings by Friar Joseph Martinez
- Monumental staircase in white Majella stone
- Cortile dei Nobili and Cortile del Pozzo
- 15th-century Cantelmo-Caldora chapel (closed for restoration)
- Historic seat of the Celestines, linked to Celestine V
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Abruzzo
- Visitors per year
- approx. 8,197
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- 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
There is a lift and a toilet on the ground floor, and a toilet on the first floor.
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
The premises include a ticket office, reception, toilets and a lift.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours, lectures, exhibition events and concerts are organised; information on educational activities is available at musabc.it. Bookings on +39 0864 32849. |
