Antonio Iannucci

Largo Monsignor Antonio Iannucci is a small, quiet square in the center of Pescara, tucked at the corner where Piazza dello Spirito Santo meets the entrance to the Metropolitan Curia building. It is not a grand civic square, but it makes a pleasant stop for anyone exploring the ecclesiastical landmarks of central Pescara on foot.

What is this place?

The square is a compact green pocket carved out of the wider Piazza dello Spirito Santo. It was officially dedicated to Antonio Iannucci on 14 October 2023, in recognition of his long service to the local church and the city. While the name honors a figure who shaped religious life in Pescara for decades, the square itself today functions simply as a calm resting point just off a busier city thoroughfare.

Who was Antonio Iannucci?

Antonio Iannucci was born in 1914 in Bolognano, a town near Pescara, and was ordained a priest in 1938. In 1955 he became auxiliary bishop of the Pescara-Penne diocese, and four years later he was appointed diocesan bishop, a role he held until his retirement in 1990. As a participant in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965, he took part directly in one of the most significant reform periods in the modern Catholic Church. During his years leading the diocese in Pescara, he oversaw the construction of dozens of new churches and helped launch a charitable foundation named after Pope Paul VI. He died in 2008, and fifteen years later the city honored his memory by naming this small square after him.

What will you see here?

The square itself is modest in size but well placed: on one side it borders the facade of the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo, and on the other it faces the archdiocesan curia building. It is a good spot to take a slower look at this corner of Pescara's architecture, away from the busier tourist routes. A commemorative plaque explains the square's dedication in a few lines, and the surrounding greenery offers a brief break from the surrounding city streets.

How do you get there?

Largo Monsignor Antonio Iannucci sits at Piazza dello Spirito Santo 5, right in central Pescara, which makes it easiest to reach on foot from the city center. It works well as a short stop on a walk that also takes in the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo and other landmarks in downtown Pescara.

When should you visit?

Given its small size, the square is best visited as part of a broader stroll through central Pescara, and it can be seen at any time of year. Choosing a quieter part of the day, when foot traffic near the church is lighter, makes it easier to appreciate the square's calm, intimate character.

Frequently asked questions

Is Largo Antonio Iannucci a major tourist attraction? No — it is a small urban square, more interesting as a complement to a visit to the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo than as a destination on its own.

Who was the square named after? Antonio Iannucci (1914–2008), who served as bishop and later archbishop of the Pescara-Penne diocese from 1955 to 1990, known for building numerous churches and supporting charitable work.

Is entry free? Yes, it is an open public square accessible at any time, free of charge.

What else is nearby? The Chiesa dello Spirito Santo and the building of the Metropolitan Curia of Pescara both stand right next to the square, making it a natural stop on a walk through this part of the city.