What is Manoppello known for?

The byssus veil of the Holy Face, 17.5 by 24 centimeters, custodianed by the Capuchins since 1620 and visited by Benedict XVI in 2006. Cistercian abbey begun in 1208 on the remains of a Roman temple, with 1377 choir frescoes by Antonio Martini di Atri. Member of the Città della Terra Cruda network, recognizing the rammed-earth construction tradition of the Pescara valley.

When is the best time to visit Manoppello?

Apr–Oct. April through June and September through October are the calm months in Manoppello, when the basilica is open without the high pilgrimage flow and the Maiella foothills turn green. July and August bring heat and the largest pilgrim numbers, especially around the August feast of the Volto Santo. November through March is quiet. The Arabona abbey remains open year-round, and the cloister is at its most striking in winter light when the church is empty. The town's position on the right bank of the Pescara means fog can settle in the valley on cold mornings, lifting by mid-morning to expose the Maiella behind.

Manoppello is a comune in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo region of Italy, about 27 kilometers from Pescara.

How do I get to Manoppello?

From Pescara, Manoppello is roughly 27 km by road.

Abruzzo · Pescara

Manoppello

A hill town above the Pescara river, custodian since 1620 of the byssus veil known as the Volto Santo.

Known for

VOLTO SANTO
The byssus veil of the Holy Face, 17.5 by 24 centimeters, custodianed by the Capuchins since 1620 and visited by Benedict XVI in 2006.
ARABONA
Cistercian abbey begun in 1208 on the remains of a Roman temple, with 1377 choir frescoes by Antonio Martini di Atri.
TERRA CRUDA
Member of the Città della Terra Cruda network, recognizing the rammed-earth construction tradition of the Pescara valley.

When to visit

Best · Apr–Oct

Best
Hot or crowded
Quiet
Mostly closed

Why come

Manoppello sits on a hill on the right bank of the Pescara river, fifteen kilometers from the city of Pescara and at the foot of the Maiella massif. The town is the custodian of the Volto Santo, a translucent veil measuring 17. 5 by 24 centimeters, bearing a faint image of a human face.

The relic arrived at the Capuchin convent above the town in 1620 through the notary Donato Antonio de Fabritiis, and many believe it to be the same cloth as the Veil of Veronica. Pope Benedict XVI visited the basilica in 2006. Outside the town, the Cistercian abbey of Santa Maria Arabona stands on the site of a Roman temple to Bona Dea.

Construction of its church began in 1208, and the choir frescoes by Antonio Martini di Atri are dated 1377. The commune is also a member of the Città della Terra Cruda network, recognizing the rammed-earth construction tradition of the surrounding countryside.

The Sunday letter

We haven’t written Manoppello’s letter yet.

One town every Sunday, with the photo, the food, the festa. Be there when this one comes up. Free, by Peter & Sophia from Pietrasanta.

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What to see

Basilica del Volto Santo
Capuchin basilica on the hill above town, custodian since 1620 of the byssus veil reputed to be the Veil of Veronica.
Abbazia di Santa Maria Arabona
Cistercian abbey founded in 1197, the church begun in 1208 on the remains of a Roman temple to Bona Dea, with frescoes by Antonio Martini di Atri dated 1377.
Centro Storico
Medieval core on the right bank of the Pescara, with rammed-earth construction recognized by the Città della Terra Cruda network.
Parco Nazionale della Majella
The commune borders the Majella National Park, with trails leading into the massif's western flank.

The slow-trip planner

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Living here

Population 6,751
Commuter belti
Pharmacy in town
High school within a 30-minute drive
Train station in the comune
Nearest airport Ancona / Pescara, 2 h 8 min drive
Regional capital L'Aquila, 1 h 30 min drive

Tags & datadesignations · numbers · sources

Recognised as

Parco Nazionale
Città della Terra Cruda

The numbers

Elevation: 257 m
Population: 6,751
Surface area: 39.26 km²

On the map

Google Maps Apple Maps Directions from Pescara

These figures were compiled from public directories — ISTAT, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata — and from the official listings of the guides named on this page. Town details change; verify with official sources before you travel.

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