San Giovanni in Venere abbey
Fossacesia, Italy
A Romanesque abbey church on a hill above the sea, with a carved portal and a crypt of old frescoes. The terrace looks down on the whole Trabocchi coast.
The abbey of San Giovanni in Venere stands on a hill above the sea near Fossacesia, surrounded by olive groves. Growing out of an early medieval monastic community, it was developed on a monumental scale in the 11th century under Count Trasmondo II; the present church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The name probably refers to a Roman temple of Venus, of which nothing is visible. The main portal, the "Porta della Luna", is aligned so that the light of the setting sun at the summer solstice reaches the presbytery and crypt. Above the entrance, a lunette shows Christ between John the Baptist and Saint Benedict.
The church has three aisles and a raised presbytery; medieval frescoes can be seen in the crypt. From the church and monastery area you reach the cloister, partly rebuilt in the 20th century, with its triforia. Allow about an hour; the abbey combines well with the Trabocco Turchino.
- Nearest town
- Fossacesia, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.2620, 14.5020
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Area Camper Il Chiosco sul MareMotorhome stopover3 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbey · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Sun BeachCampsite5 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbey · 25 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Villaggio Camping Costa d'ArgentoCampsite7 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbeyTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Verdemare CampingCampsite10 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbey · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping BelvedereCampsite10 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbeyTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Torre MucchiaCampsite16 km from San Giovanni in Venere abbeyTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is San Giovanni in Venere abbey?
San Giovanni in Venere abbey is in Fossacesia, Italy, at GPS 42.2620, 14.5020. It is about 7 km from San Vito Chietino.
Can you camp near San Giovanni in Venere abbey?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area Camper Il Chiosco sul Mare, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass San Giovanni in Venere abbey?
San Giovanni in Venere abbey is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Trabocchi Coast to the Molise and Abruzzo mountains.
What is there to see near San Giovanni in Venere abbey?
Places worth a stop nearby: Trabocco Turchino (6 km), Punta Aderci reserve (18 km), Samnite theatre of Pietrabbondante (59 km) and Lago di Scanno (65 km).
When is the best time to visit San Giovanni in Venere abbey?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)