Recent historical analysis concurs that Abruzzo was one of the first region to be converted to Christianity because of its proximity to Rome, but the first incisive Christian presence was that of the anchorite movement.
Generation of monks sought refuge on the Maiella and Gran Sasso massif, and up to the turn of the century these monks ensured the survival of a number of buildings, often in impervious positions, that were the destination of pilgrimages and the object of worship. Further research has identified and documented on regional territory over one hundred refuges.
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