The church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas is an ancient religious building located in the town of Fossa, in the province of L’Aquila, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
The church dates back to medieval times, built on a series of Roman underground tunnels which were originally used as cisterns for collecting rainwater. These tunnels were then adapted and enlarged to house the church.
What are the characteristics of the church of Santa Maria Ad Cryptas?
The church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas has a Romanesque architectural style with an interior decorated with frescoes dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Among the most notable frescoes is a depiction of the Archangel Michael fighting a dragon.
The church suffered serious damage due to the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake and for this reason it remained closed to the public for several years for repair and structural consolidation works. In 2017, after almost eight years of work, the church is once again available to visitors.
Today, the church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Abruzzo who wish to discover the region’s medieval art and architecture.
When to visit it?
The church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences and weather conditions.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to visit the church in the low season, i.e. from November to April, excluding the Christmas holidays. During this period, the church will be less crowded and it will be possible to enjoy a more peaceful visit.
However, if you want to visit the church during a period of mild weather and also enjoy the scenic beauty of Abruzzo, the best period is from May to October. In summer, it is possible that the church is also open in the evening, offering the possibility of visiting it even at sunset.
In any case, it is always advisable to check the church’s opening hours before visiting and to book in advance, especially during the high season.
For more information on visits and opening hours, visit the official website of the municipality of Fossa. Photo by Mario Serafini.
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