Village of Bucchianico (CH)

Province: Chieti - Elevation: 371 Population: 4805

The town is surrounded by rolling green hills, in a idyllic atmosphere between the peaks of Majella mountain and the Adriatic Sea. It is the birthplace of St. Camillo De Lellis, founder of the religious Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm, known as the Camillians, religious people dedicated to the care of the sick.

The medieval town boasts spectacular views from the panoramic viewpoint in the main square. Here it is erected the shrine, dedicated to St. Camillo, with his statue and the remain of his foot, intensely worshipped by the local people. In the same square, named Piazza St. Camillo, was erected in 1290 the valuable church of St. Francis, and entirely restored in the 18th century - only still survives the ancient apse. It is decorated with frescos of Domiziano Vallarola da Penne, and precious wood choir, made by Modesto Salvini da Orsogna. In front of the church there was the medieval palace of Caracciolo di San Buono, destroyed in 1973.

Walking down the narrow streets there is the birthplace of St. Camillo, where the fifty-year-old mother gave birth to him on May 25 1550. Main sights are the eighteen-century palaces, such as Palazzo Monaco, Palazzo La Valletta and Palazzo Pierantonj, and the deconsecrated church of Purgatory. The parish church, built in 1034 is St. Urbano, dedicated to Urban I Pope and Martyr. The saint has been deeply celebrated since 1280 in May during the famous feast of Banderesi. The church contains the remain of St. Urban and St. Aldemario.

Few kilometers far from the old town it is located the fascinating church of St. Chiara with its convent, beautifully decorated with frescos of the famous Tommaso Cascella(1932-1937).

Walking in the hilly surroundings, along vast vineyards and olive groves, spectacular badlands are worth a visit; they let to paths through the idyllic countryside of the town, where is possible to taste and buy local wine and excellent extra virgin olive oil.