Historical Background: The commune is situated on the firts rocky slopes of the Majella massif, while next to the Pescara river lies Manoppello Scalo. This village is an agricultural centre, where the traditional handicraft is still alive (in particular wrought iron and copper); moreover Manoppello is well-known above all for the sanctuary of the Volto santo (Holy Face), a destination of many pilgrims coming from all the other Italian regions and Europe.This centre was likely founded in the 8th century when it was a stronghold. Successively it was given by Ludovico II to the monastery of St. Clemente a Casauria. Because of its strategic position in the middle of the Pescara river valley, Manoppello was destroyed several times, but it still preserves many fine Palaces of the 18-19h century embellished with decorated stone portals and windows. In the surroundings of Manoppello, in the lush vegetation is situated the church of St. Maria di Arabona dsarting back to the year 1208. But the fame of this Manoppello is owed to the presence of the Sanctuary of the Volto Santo, built during the 17 th century and restored after World War I.