Located on the highest part of Torricella Peligna, the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo appears majestic in front of the Maiella massif, giving the impression that the town is suspended between heaven and earth. A papal seal by Pope Alexander III to the bishop of Chieti proves that the church was built in 1173. Since that time, the church has been the heart of the devotion of the citizens of Torricella, both for Baptisms and for the feast of San Marziale, the Saint Patron celebrated in a procession every 9 August. San Marziale was a martyr at the times of the Emperor Marco Aurelio, together with his mother Felicita and his six brothers.

The parish church has undergone several restoration works, the last ones after World War II when Torricella Peligna, which was just along the Gustav Line, was bombed by the Germans and partially destroyed. The Renaissance façade made of Maiella stones is decorated by a tympanum; there are three doors, the main entrance is iron made with bronze studs dating 1874. Inside, there are baroque decorations with white and gold plasters and modern multi-coloured glass windows. When you enter the church, in the left nave you can find an exquisite painting of Saint James the Apostle, to whom the church is dedicated, painted in 1917 by Elena Tilli, a fellow of Francesco Paolo Michetti.

On the side of the beautiful façade there is an imposing bell tower built in 1861, after the original collapsed in the 1850 earthquake. In ancient times and until 1625 there also were two watchtowers nearby. According to some scholars, the name “Torricella”, which comes from the Latin “Turricula” refers exactly to those towers which are also in the flag of the Town still today.

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