If you’re a fan of dragons or mythical and fantastic beasts, there are some great examples to be discovered in Abruzzo that don’t just rely upon the mythical sword skills of the Turkish St George and his dragon story.
The Church of Leucio, Atessa (CH)
A visit to this church could be entertaining for children who have always wanted to see a dragon’s rib!
The church of Leucio in Atessa is the only Italian church that holds a 2-metre dragon’s bone as a relic, originally it held a phial of its blood too!
An expert dragon slayer, The Bishop of Leucio arrived from Brindisi where he had just obliged its citizens with the removal of their dragon. He went down to the swamp outside what was then 2 villages and fed the dragon for 3 days, when the dragon could barely move from being so full, he chained him up and killed him. He drained the blood that was later used by the community as a healing potion.
San Pietro di Coppito, L’Aquila (AQ)
The Quadrato Magico, S. Lucia in Magliano dei Marsi (AQ)
San Giovanni ad Insulam, Isola Gran Sasso (TE)
Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta (AQ)
The Tower, Fontecchio (AQ)
San Liberatore a Maiella, Serramonacesca (PE)
San Pietro portal ad oratorium, Capestrano (AQ)
Photo Credits: Facebook LifeInAbruzzo Group – Peter Austin, Janet Brady | Valerio Ivomontanaro
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region. Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
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