Feast of Saint Pancras the Martyr

The patronal feast of Campli

In the heart of the Teramo region of Abruzzo, the medieval village of Campli gathers every year around its co-patron saint for the Feast of Saint Pancras the Martyr. The event, a cornerstone of the city's calendar, takes place around May 12th—the saint's liturgical day—transforming the ancient Farnese streets into a vibrant tapestry of religious rites, folk traditions, and local flavors.

A history rooted in faith

Campli's bond with Saint Pancras dates back to the 18th century. The cult was established in 1700 by Bishop Giovanni Vespoli Casanatte, who held a deep devotion to this young martyr of the early Church. Thanks to his uncle, Cardinal Girolamo Casanatte, the bishop obtained the saint's relics, which were encased in a magnificent silver bust in 1716 and donated to the chapter of Campli. Since then, Saint Pancras has been venerated as the city's co-patron alongside the Immaculate Conception.

The procession and religious rites

The spiritual heart of the festival is the solemn procession that winds through the historic center, drawing the entire community into a moment of profound popular devotion. The religious route also includes the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa) of Campli, one of the most unique sites of faith in Abruzzo: along with the one in Rome, it is the only place in the world that grants the privilege of plenary indulgence to those who climb its twenty-eight steps on their knees.

Tradition, markets, and local flavors

Beyond its religious dimension, the festival thrives on a lively civic spirit. The Ancient Saint Pancras Market returns, filling the village streets with a fair of local products and the renowned market of artisanal footwear from the Marche region. A must-try is the tasting of virtù camplesi, the signature local dish, also available for takeaway, alongside the famous Campli porchetta. The program also features a bicycle race, an amateur nordic walking trek, and musical performances in three different areas of the town center.

Discovering the village

The festival is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Guided tours lead visitors through the monuments of Campli, from the Palazzo Farnese—the oldest civil building in Abruzzo—to the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Platea with its 14th-century crypt frescoes. It is a deep dive into the history of this town in the province of Teramo, which reached its peak of splendor under the rule of the Farnese family.