The "Domus Mariae" house is located in the heart of the Marsica region, on Mount Salviano, 1,000 meters above sea level, adjacent to the "Maria Ss.ma di Pietraquaria" Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is famous for its antiquity and for the miraculous image venerated there. It is known that the cult, and consequently the chapel with the painting, existed since the 12th century; at the time, the chapel was located in the Pietraquaria fiefdom, on the rock facing the current Sanctuary. It is especially important to remember the graces bestowed by the Madonna in the 18th and 19th centuries, as a result of which the image was solemnly crowned by the Vatican Chapter in 1838.

In 1978, following the ever-growing and profound devotion of the faithful to the Heavenly Mother, Our Lady of Pietraquaria was proclaimed Patron Saint of the city of Avezzano. The Sanctuary, in addition to being visited daily by the residents of Avezzano and surrounding towns, is the destination of numerous pilgrimages from all over Italy. An exceptional "pilgrim" was the Holy Father John Paul II who, during his pastoral visit to the Diocese of Marsi on March 24, 1985, chose to pay homage to Our Lady of Pietraquaria by pausing in prayer at the foot of her altar. The room used by Blessed John Paul II is within the "Domus Mariae" with a plaque commemorating this illustrious visit.

Since 1878, the custody of the Sanctuary has been entrusted to the Capuchin Friars Minor, who care for the House of the Blessed Virgin with great love and Franciscan commitment and attend to the pastoral care of a Confraternity and the faithful, to the great satisfaction of all.

The "Domus Mariae" house was built between 1954 and 1957 to be used primarily for spiritual retreats and pastoral work for the Diocese. Its care and management was entrusted to the Benedictine Sisters of Charity, a Benedictine congregation founded by Blessed Mother Colomba Gabriel in the early 20th century. The Sisters, in the spirit of the Rule of Saint Benedict of Norcia, welcome guests with kindness and offer every spiritual and material comfort, in keeping with the Benedictine motto of ORA et LABORA (prayer and work).

For Eucharistic celebrations, there is a comfortable internal chapel. The nearby Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pietraquaria, served by the Capuchin Friars and the Confraternity of the same name, provides groups with additional spiritual assistance, in collaboration with the Benedictine Sisters, who wisely and responsibly collaborate with the Capuchin Fathers and the Confraternity in all services related to the many religious activities.

Bus stop between 1 and 5 km.

Evening hours restrictions, Smoking is prohibited throughout the property.

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