The Church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas stands in isolation about 1km from the village of Fossa (AQ) and several km from the Abbey of Santo Spirito ad Ocre upon which it was once dependent. It is a significant example of 13th century architecture although its origins are even more ancient. Its position on the high ground made massive consolidation and stability foundations essential. The simplicity of its exterior is deceptive: like a stone casket, Santa Maria ad Cryptas conserves a blaze of vividly coloured frescoes within. These paintings have their place in the 13th century pictorial cycles of Abruzzo (which include those in the oratorio of San Pellegrino in Bominaco, San Tommaso in Caramanico and some of the paintings in Santa Maria di Ronzano in Castel Castagna). The fresco cycle has a wide range of themes and partners scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
