Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia - San Giovanni ad insulam

San Giovanni ad Insulam (also called San Giovanni al Mavone) stands solitary on a hill. It once belonged to the attached abbey, of which impressive ruins are still preserved. The church rises above the crypt and the entire structure was built at various times between the 11th and 13th centuries. Some historians, however, consider the crypt to be much older.

On the two posts of the portal are depicted lions and mythical creatures. Also on the lintel live strange creatures. The artwork is attributed to Raimondo di Podio, who crafted a very similar work in Atri. Here are details.