The veneration that people from Gessopalena feel for the Mother of God is as ancient as the religious feeling of Abruzzo people. Two churches prove the relevance of this pious popular tradition: one is dedicated to Santa Maria dei Raccomandati and the other to Santa Maria Maggiore. Both those religious buildings dedicated to filial worship of the Virgin Lady are located on the majestic Piazza Roma with its artistic monumental fountain dating 1923, and they both have centuries long history.

The parish church Santa Maria dei Raccomandati dates back to XIV century, as proved by the exquisite late Romanesque style side door: it is decorated with flower and grapevine friezes, two rampant lions and the “mystic Lamb” in the lunette. The neoclassical stone façade was restored in 1880. Inside there are three naves and the main altar is decorated by multi coloured marble inlay works. However, the believers mainly show their devotion to the wood tempera triptych dated XV century portraying the Madonna dei Raccomandati or della Misericordia di Gessopalena sided by the Saints and praying believers. There are two remarkable lateral altarpieces by the anonymous painter called “DioAiutarà”: the Pentecost and the Deposition. The high bell tower with clock dates 1960 and dominates all the territory around the village.

Tthe other refined building dedicated to the Virgin Lady in Gessopalena is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore – once called “Santa Maria de Gisso” – whose original unit was located “extra moenia” (outside the walls) – and dates back to 1059. The church we can see today was rebuilt in the XIX century with its sober Romanesque shapes and outer stone walls. The door dates from XIV century and was taken from the church of Annunziata located in the old borough. Inside there are three naves and the walls are decorated with basic elegant late Baroque plasters.

[Credits | Text: Ottavio Di Renzo De Laurentis | Translation: Mirella Rapa | Voice and music: Studio Qreate | Photo: Camillo Talone]