The Church of Santa Maria in Val Porclaneta, in Rosciolo, hamlet of Magliano de’ Marsi (AQ), is one of the most interesting examples of Abruzzo Romanesque art uniting Arabic-Hispanic, Byzantine and Lombard influences. Situated on the slopes of Monte Velino at 1,022m above sea level, it is reached by a picturesque donkey trail. A monastic presence on the site dates to before 1080, the year when Count Berardo donated the Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta and the Castle of Rosciolo with its dependencies to the Monastery of Montecassino. The Benedictine monks began to rebuild the Abbey complex although, today, all that remains is the splendid Medieval church and a portal preceding it which probably provided access to the ancient courtyard. While the exterior offers a stunning view of Velino, the Abbey houses an ambon, ciborium and iconostasis of great artistic value, and splendid frescoes. About 500m from the church on the adjacent donkey trail is an ancient oak tree which, according to the plaque at its base, is the same age as the church itself and, therefore, almost a thousand years old.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
