Abbaye di Sassovivo


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Abbaye di Sassovivo

We enjoyed our morning here, just us and the 58 arcahdes held up with 128 columns.

Abbaye di Sassovivo

Abbaye di Sassovivo

 

Abbazia di SassovivoInitial construction of the Abbey was by the Benedictines around the year 1000.

At one time the holdings of the abbaye were significant. In 1138 the territory under the jurisdiction of the abbey included 34 churches and five chapels. The territory covered an area that ran from Rome to Perugia and from Spoleto to Camerino. This are continued to grow with 100 years later the abbey's lands involved 97 monasteries, 41 churches and seven hospitals.

After the French Revolution the land holdings of the abbey were reduced significantly. In 1860 all the land holdings of the abbey were taken and divided up.

Abbazia di SassovivoSince 1979 the Bishop of Foligno has handed over the running of the building to the brothers of the Comunità Jesus Caritas.

The cloister is the most spectacular architectural feature of the abbey. The design of the cloister was commissioned by Abbot Angelo from Pietro de Maria. Work was completed in 1229.

Abbazia di SassovivoThe cloisters are built around a square plan, the roof of the cloister rests on arches that are supported by elegant double order columns, surmounted by lily-shaped capitols.

In 1314 Abbot Filippo ordered the building of an east wing. The large cistern in the middle of the cloister was built in 1340 and restored in 1623.

Abbaizia di SassovivoWe found the Romanesque cloister to be very impressive. The morning we were there it was just us and the 58 arcades, supported with 128 filigree spiral columns.

It is very plesant, you can take your time, no rush a crowds here. The capitals have delicate decorationsin remarkable shape.