About Poggio Picenze, Italy:
The town’s name derives from an ancient castle on Mount Picenze, linked to Piceni settlements from the 3rd century BC.Poggio Picenze is situated 760 meters (2,490 feet) above sea level, overlooking the Aquila basin, and is about 12 kilometers (7 miles) from the city of L’Aquila. The town is known for its historical resilience, having survived World War II air raids with its buildings largely intact. It later suffered fatalities and damage during the devastating earthquake of April 6, 2009, centered near L’Aquila. This seismic event, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale and 6.3 on the moment magnitude scale, impacted many structures in the region, including historical sites like the Church of San Felice Martire.
The town is also known for its white limestone, used in ornate local architecture.
About the The Church of San Felice Martire (Saint Felix, Martyr) in Poggio Picenze, Italy:
The parish church in Poggio Picenze, Italy, is dedicated to Saint Felix the Martyr (Italian: San Felice Martire). Located in the province of L’Aquila in the Abruzzo region, this church serves as a central religious and cultural landmark in the small town of approximately 1,000 inhabitants.
The church’s origins date back to the mid-15th century, with construction beginning around that time on a site that previously housed a small hospital until 1447. It suffered significant damage during an earthquake in 1762 but was rebuilt and expanded shortly afterward. The stone façade, completed in the late 16th century, was restored in 1870 using local white limestone, known as “La Pietra del Poggio,” which is quarried in the region and prized for its workability and golden patina over time. The structure features a simple yet elegant design with a crisp front and pilasters crafted from this local stone. Inside, it has a single aisle with a wooden tettoe (trussed) ceiling, reflecting a modest architectural style typical of the area.
Saint Felix the Martyr, to whom the church is dedicated, is the patron saint of Poggio Picenze. His feast day is celebrated annually on June 18 with a Mass, followed by a procession where his effigy, housed in a case donated by the city of Girona, Catalonia (Spain), is carried through the streets. The celebration includes music from La Banda Musicale, bonfires, and traditional gunfire to mark the saint’s return to the church, reflecting deep local devotion.
A highlight of the church is the large painting in the center of the ceiling, depicting a religious scene with the Madonna, God, Jesus, angels and saints. The church bell tower is one of the oldest in Cilento, probably erected on the remains of a square Longobard tower, from which the area takes its name.
Traveling to Poggio Picenze, Italy: the Church of San Felice Martire:
The town is Located in the province of L’Aquila, and would make a good combination with to town of L’Aquila nearby, where you will find the tomb of Pope Celestine V, and interesting connection to Pope Benedict XVI. There is no train service. You can take a bus from Rome to L’Aquila, which takes about 1 1/2 hours. then take a taxi for Poggio Picenze.
Address: 67026 Poggio Picenze AQ, Italy
Phone: +39 086280142