Saint Mary of Càlena abbey, Medieval abbey in Peschici, Italy
Saint Mary of Càlena Abbey is a Benedictine monastery near the Adriatic coast featuring stone walls, rounded arch windows, and a bell tower that stands above the complex. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard that serves as the heart of the monastic community.
The monastery was founded in the early 1000s and quickly received backing from popes and local rulers who granted it extensive land and authority. This royal and papal favor transformed it into one of the region's most influential religious centers for centuries to come.
The monastery remains an active place of worship where the local community gathers to maintain spiritual connections to their roots. The spaces carry the weight of centuries of religious life that still shapes the region's identity.
The site sits a few kilometers outside the main village and is best reached by car or along a walking trail through the countryside. A visit works well when the weather is clear since paths around the complex may be unpaved or uneven in places.
The monastery still houses original artifacts from its founding year of 1023, making it one of Italy's oldest preserved religious sites with intact pieces from that era. These early objects offer rare glimpses into how monks lived and worshiped during the early medieval period.
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