The Church of San Tommaso Becket, located 6 km from Caramanico Terme in the Majella National Park, was built in 1202 and completed in 1219. Dedicated to Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, it was originally mistaken for a shrine to Saint Thomas the Apostle or Thomas Aquinas. The church stands on the remains of a pagan temple dedicated to Hercules, evidenced by 40 bronze figurines (3rd-2nd century BC) and a spring well in the crypt. It was commissioned by Norman lord Rinaldo Trogisio and received papal protection in 1219 from Pope Honorius III, later becoming an Augustinian monastery in 1260. After conflicts with the Bishop of Chieti, the canons joined the Abbey of Santo Spirito in Morrone in 1334, adopting the Benedictine rule. The monastery was closed in 1652, but the Celestines officiated until 1807, when it was suppressed under Napoleon.
Built in Romanesque style, the church has three naves, a pink stone facade, and three decorated portals. The central portal features a high-relief of Christ enthroned with the apostles, with intricate floral and vine motifs on the frames. The Holy Column, believed to have healing and fertility properties, is venerated by the faithful. The crypt houses a spring well, considered miraculous, reinforcing the site’s ancient water-related significance. Inside, 13th-century frescoes depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. Until the 1950s, a procession to bless crops was held, now replaced by the Easter Monday festival.
- Address
SP66, Fonte Natale, Italy - Web
https://www.majambiente.it/2016/04/29/5-curiosit%C3%A0-sulla-chiesa-di-san-tommaso-becket/ - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Miraculous well, crypt, medieval frescoes
