Celebrating Saint Francis

The Saint Francis Festival at the Capuchin Convent in Campli

Celebrating Saint Francis is the annual event that brings the Convent of San Giacomo Apostolo dei Cappuccini in Campli, in the heart of the Teramo province, to life every early October. The celebration centers on the liturgical feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, which falls on October 4th. Around this date, the Campli community comes together in a blend of religious rites and convivial moments, upholding a tradition that renews the ancient bond between the town and the Capuchin friars.

A Place Steeped in History

The festival takes place in a setting of great charm: the convent is located in the Trinità district, in the Cappuccini area, on a hill at the eastern entrance to Campli, about a kilometer and a half from the historic center. The convent building was constructed in the 16th century on the ruins of the pre-existing church of San Salvatore a Trifizio, while the adjoining church, dedicated to Saint James the Apostle, was consecrated in 1680. Inside, 16th and 17th-century frescoes are preserved, including a lunette depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints James the Apostle and Francis of Assisi, a fine wooden tabernacle from 1724, and devotional statues. This heritage makes the festival not only a religious appointment but also an opportunity to rediscover one of the most evocative places in the Campli area.

Devotion and Community

The heart of the event is its spiritual dimension: the days are marked by Eucharistic celebrations, moments of prayer, and rites dedicated to the 'Poverello' of Assisi, culminating in the solemnity of October 4th. Alongside the religious services, the APS Gli Amici del Convento association organizes social gatherings that involve families, the faithful, and visitors, transforming the convent area into a meeting point for the entire community of Campli and neighboring towns.

Campli, an Art Town in the Teramo Abruzzo

The festival is also a great reason to discover Campli, one of the most beautiful villages in Abruzzo, famous for its Holy Staircase (Scala Santa), the Farnese House, and its renowned porchetta. Nestled among the hills that slope down toward the Monti della Laga, the town offers visitors an artistic and gastronomic heritage that perfectly complements the experience of a day spent at the Capuchin Convent.