With the arrival ofAutumn nature transforms itself and reveals its wonderful colors, giving us breathtaking landscapes and sunsets. But if you want to go for a walk either a different weekend than usual, you can go to the discovery of cities, monuments and small villages: their atmosphere is even more suggestive in this season. Let’s find out some of the abbeys most beautiful to visit in Italy, where the architectural masterpiece meets history, spirituality and often also nature.
Abbey of San Michele della Chiusa, Piedmont
L’Abbey of San Michele della Chiusa, also known as the Sacra di San Michele, is a truly evocative and magical place. Suspended on the summit of Mount Pirchiriano at about a thousand meters high and not far from the city from Turinthis wonderful architectural complex is a real gem of Val di Susa and one of the symbols of Piedmont. The imposing abbey dominates the mountain and the whole panorama, it may be for this reason that after centuries it still evokes so much charm, mystery and beauty. How to reach it? There are different routes with various levels of difficulty, a pleasant challenge for trekking lovers! Small curiosity: the history, spirituality and landscape that gravitate to the abbey seem to have inspired the writer Umberto Eco in the drafting of his best-seller, The Name of The rosemaking this place famous all over the world.
Abbey of San Galgano, Tuscany
Have you opted for a trip to Tuscany? L’Abbey of San Galgano it will then be an unmissable destination. Located near Siena, in the municipality of Chiusdino, this enchanting Cistercian abbey is lost in the Tuscan countryside and has remained in ruins for years. In the first half of the 1900s, however, his was finally recognized cultural value and above all architectural. There church it lacks a roof due to a lightning strike that struck the bell tower in 1786. The lack of a roof accumulates it, among others, at the abbey of Jedburgh in Scotland, of Tintern in Wales and of Cashel in Ireland. A place rich in history, tradition, nature and a pinch of mystery, ideal for a different autumn afternoon and to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sienese countryside in autumn. Small curiosity: many successful films have been shot within the walls of the abbey, can you recognize it?
Montecassino Abbey, Lazio
If you are looking for one of the oldest religious monuments in Italy, theMontecassino Abbey is perfect for you. Located on the summit of Montecassino and 516 meters above sea level, the Benedictine monastery is the second oldest in Italy. In fact, it was founded in 529 by Benedict of Nursia, right where a temple dedicated to Apollo once stood. As often happens, the abbey has undergone looting, earthquakes and destruction over the years as well as various reconstructions. But since it was destroyed during the Second World War, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities recognized its great historical, cultural and architectural value and since then it has undergone continuous restoration work. Today it can be admired in all its beauty and still breathe all the charm of its history.
Novacella Abbey, Trentino-Alto Adige
If you are passing through Trentino Alto Adige and you want to enjoy autumn in the mountains without giving up nature but immersed in something historical, the Novacella abbey is perfect for you. Located near Bressanone, in province of Bolzano, is one of the most important abbeys in northern Italy and the Alpine arc. Founded in 1142, the convent consists of a complex of both religious and civil buildings of great historical importance: just like the Castle of the Angelthe chapel dedicated to San Michele from the Roman era.
Particularly striking is the Rococo style library, where many ancient volumes, manuscripts and illuminated manuscripts are preserved. Small curiosity: in the library you will find the smallest manuscript in the world.
Certosa di Pavia, Lombardy
At the endthe Charterhouse of Pavia: one of the most beautiful abbeys in Italy. A few kilometers from the Lombard city stands theimposing monumental complex known for its marvelous frescoes, its majestic stained glass windows and its splendid wooden inlays. Built in the 14th century, the monumental complex includes a monastery, a sanctuary and now also the seat of the Museum of the Certosa of Pavia, where you can admire the works of artists of the caliber of Vincenzo Campi, Bernardino Campi and Bernardino Luini. For those who live near Milan, it could be an excellent opportunity to take a trip out of town, enjoy the magical atmosphere of autumn between nature, art and history. Small curiosity: in one of the side aisles it is possible to observe the frescoes depicting two Carthusian monks looking out of a window which, due to an optical illusion, will seem to follow you with their eyes.