Abbeys & Monasteries of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Abbeys and Monasteries of Italy among this selection represent just a tiny fraction of the total overall number in the country. These however are some of the most famous and most distinctive.
Each one has a unique characteristic such as the beautiful mosaics that cover Pomposa Abbey in Emilia Romagna or the incredible history of Montecassino Abbey in the central region of Lazio. Another central region, Tuscany, is the home to three more of the most famous Abbeys and Monasteries: the Certosa di Calci near Pisa and the Abbeys of Sant'Antimo and San Galgano. |
Chiaravalle Abbey, Milan
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Pomposa Abbey
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Pomposa Abbey is a historic Benedictine monastery located in Emilia-Romagna, near Codigoro. Founded in the 9th century, it became a renowned centre of culture and spirituality during the Middle Ages. The abbey is celebrated for its striking Romanesque architecture, with a towering campanile that dominates the landscape. Inside, the church features stunning frescoes from the 14th century, depicting biblical scenes and intricate geometric patterns.
Pomposa Abbey was influential in the development of Western music, as Guido d’Arezzo, a monk here, developed modern musical notation. |
Pomposa Abbey, Emilia Romagna
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Certosa di Pavia
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The Certosa di Pavia, a magnificent monastery complex, is located near the town of Pavia in Lombardy, northern Italy. Founded in 1396 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan, it is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance and Gothic architecture.
The monastery’s façade is richly decorated with intricate carvings, statues, and marble inlays. Inside, visitors find frescoed chapels, ornate altars, and a stunning choir adorned with wood carvings. The cloisters and gardens reflect the peaceful monastic life of the Carthusian monks who once resided here. A treasure trove of art and history, the Certosa di Pavia is a masterpiece. |
Certosa di Pavia, Lombardy
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Montecassino Abbey
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The Montecassino Abbey, perched atop a hill near Cassino in southern Italy, is one of the most renowned monasteries in Europe.
Founded in 529 CE by Saint Benedict of Nursia, it became the cradle of the Benedictine Order and a centre of learning, culture, and spirituality during the Middle Ages. The abbey's stunning architecture includes its grand basilica, cloisters, and ornate chapels, rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. Its library holds a treasure trove of manuscripts and historical artifacts. Montecassino is also a place of pilgrimage, reflecting its deep religious significance. |
Montecassino Abbey, Lazio
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Chiaravalle Abbey
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Chiaravalle Abbey, or Abbazia di Chiaravalle, is a historic Cistercian monastery located just south of Milan in the Lombardy region.
Founded in 1135 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, it played a vital role in spreading the Cistercian order in Italy. The abbey is renowned for its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including the striking bell tower, known as "Ciribiciaccola," a Milanese landmark. Inside, visitors can admire intricately frescoed ceilings, serene cloisters, and the grand altar. Surrounded by green fields, the abbey once influenced agricultural innovation in the area. |
Chiaravalle Abbey, Milan
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Santa Caterina del Sasso
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Santa Caterina del Sasso is a picturesque monastery located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, near the town of Leggiuno.
Perched dramatically on a cliffside, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The monastery was founded in the 12th century by a hermit named Alberto da Prezzate, and it later became a place of pilgrimage. The complex includes a church, a bell tower, and several cells, all harmoniously integrated into the rocky landscape. Its frescoed interiors and peaceful atmosphere make it a captivating site for visitors. |
Santa Caterina del Sasso, Lake Maggiore
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Fossanova Abbey
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Fossanova Abbey is a Cistercian monastery located in the Lazio region of central Italy, near the town of Priverno. Founded in 1208, the abbey is known for its well-preserved Gothic architecture and tranquil surroundings.
The church of the abbey features a stunning Romanesque-Gothic design, with a simple yet grand façade and an impressive interior with vaulted ceilings. One of its most notable features is the cloister, a peaceful area surrounded by elegant arches. Historically, Fossanova Abbey was an important center of monastic life and learning. It is also famous for being the final resting place of St. Thomas Aquinas, who died here in 1274. |
Fossanova Abbey, Lazio
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Certosa di Padula
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The Certosa di Padula is a magnificent Carthusian monastery located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near the town of Padula. Founded in the 14th century, it is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Italy.
The complex features a grand, Baroque-style church, vast courtyards, and a series of elegant cloisters. Its architecture blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, while the interior boasts beautiful frescoes and intricate detailing. The Certosa was home to monks for centuries and played a central role in religious life. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into Italy’s monastic and architectural history. |
Certosa di Padula, Campania
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Abbazia di Chiaravalle di Fiastra
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The Abbazia di Chiaravalle di Fiastra is a beautiful Cistercian monastery located in the Marche region of central Italy, near the town of Urbisaglia. Founded in 1142, the abbey is set amidst lush countryside and is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning Romanesque architecture.
The abbey features a striking church with a simple yet elegant interior, along with a cloister, refectory, and well-preserved monastic buildings. Over the centuries, the abbey played a significant role in agricultural development and spiritual life. Today, it remains an important historical and religious site, offering visitors a glimpse into the monastic life of the Middle Ages. |
Abbazia di Chiaravalle di Fiastra, Marche
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Certosa di Calci
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The Certosa di Calci is a historic Carthusian monastery located in the picturesque Calci Valley, near Pisa, in Tuscany. Founded in 1366, the monastery is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and serene surroundings. The complex includes a large church, a cloister, and various monastic buildings, all set against the backdrop of the nearby mountains.
Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, altarpieces, and intricate woodwork. The monastery also houses the Museum of Natural History of the University of Pisa, showcasing a collection of fossils, minerals, and animal specimens. The Certosa di Calci remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark in the region. |
Certosa di Calci, Tuscany
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Abbey of Sant'Antimo
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The Abbey of Sant'Antimo is located in the rolling hills of Tuscany, near the town of Montalcino. This Romanesque-style abbey, dating back to the 12th century, is renowned for its serene and picturesque setting amidst vineyards and olive groves.
The abbey’s architectural features include a striking stone facade, a beautiful rose window, and a simple, yet elegant interior with vaulted ceilings and medieval frescoes. Historically, the abbey was founded by Charlemagne's monks and was once a significant center of religious life. Today, Sant'Antimo is a popular site for pilgrims and visitors, offering a peaceful atmosphere and showcasing Tuscany’s rich monastic heritage. |
Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Tuscany
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Certosa di San Martino
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The Certosa di San Martino is a former Carthusian monastery located in Naples, atop the Vomero hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Naples.
Founded in the 14th century, the monastery is an outstanding example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture. Its church, adorned with intricate frescoes, sculptures, and a stunning altar, reflects the grandeur of the period. The monastery complex includes courtyards, cloisters, and tranquil gardens. In the 19th century, it was converted into a museum, showcasing Neapolitan art, historical artefacts, and religious objects. |
Certosa di San Martino, Naples
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Abbey of San Galgano
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The Abbey of San Galgano is a striking medieval ruin located in the Tuscan countryside, near the town of Chiusdino.
Founded in the 12th century, it was once a thriving Cistercian monastery. The abbey is renowned for its magnificent, roofless church, which offers a hauntingly beautiful view of the open sky. Its graceful arches, intricate stonework, and the remains of frescoes hint at the grandeur of its past. The abbey’s history is intertwined with the legend of Saint Galgano, a knight who renounced his worldly life and became a hermit. Nearby, is the iconic “Sword in the Stone” associated with Galgano’s legend. |
Abbey of San Galgano, Tuscany
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