Abbazia di San Benedetto in Vallalta, Romanesque abbey in Albino, Italy.
Abbazia di San Benedetto is a Romanesque monastery situated in the Lujo Valley, positioned between the namesake stream and the ridge of Mount Misma. The structure features a single-nave church with bare stone walls and architectural elements that date from the 12th century.
Following papal approval from Pope Innocent II in 1135, construction of the monastery began and was completed within approximately one year. In the 19th century, it was elevated to parish church status and underwent substantial reconstruction while preserving its original artistic features.
The monastery served as an economic center for the local region, managing extensive farmland around Albino. The monks cultivated chestnuts, grapevines, and grain here, shaping the character of the surrounding landscape.
The monastery is located in a valley and can be reached via local paths that lead through farmland. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear, as the walk from the village of Albino involves some terrain variations.
The monastery was not only a place of prayer but also a hub for agricultural innovation in its era, with advanced techniques for irrigation and soil management. The monks experimented with different cultivation methods to optimize yields across their five scattered estates.
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