The Church of the Madonna del Suffragio

The Church of the Pastori

Its façade is simple and square, but its history is rich. The Church of the Madonna del Suffragio is among the most particular places of worship, not only in Castel del Monte but in all of Abruzzo. Inside there is a large rectangular room with a single nave, enriched with stucco decorations in Baroque style. Elegant columns support the statues depicting Faith and Hope, next to the high altar in carved wood.

Since 1685, the Church is the seat of the Compagnia delle Anime del Suffragio, but its history is also intertwined with that of the herders of the area, so much so that the building is also known as The Church of the Pastors. Here, in fact, was where the seasonal migrant shepherds gathered when they returned to the village. Every 2 July, they carried in procession the statue of the Madonna del Suffragio to the Church of San Marco, and then brought it back on 8 September.

Here the shepherds also celebrated the 'Forty hours', the act of purification and request for protection from the Virgin before leaving for the seasonal migration to Apulia.