Santa Maria di Casanova, Cistercian abbey in Villa Celiera, Italy
Santa Maria di Casanova is a Cistercian abbey in Villa Celiera, Province of Pescara, Abruzzo, characterized by a restored tower standing among stone ruins. The site displays the layout of a medieval monastic compound with defensive elements that reflect both its religious and practical purposes.
Founded in 1191 by the mother abbey of Tre Fontane in Rome, this monastery followed the strict Cistercian rule and regulations. It remained active until its suppression by Joseph Bonaparte in 1807.
The monastery became the first Cistercian community in Abruzzo and drew monks seeking a life of prayer and manual work in isolation. Its presence transformed the spiritual landscape of the region and shaped how religious communities were established in the surrounding territories.
The site is accessible to visitors and can be explored on foot, with the restored tower being the main focal point. The grounds consist of ruins, so expect uneven terrain and minimal facilities in the area.
This abbey supervised three daughter monasteries across the region: the Abbey of Saint Mary of Ripalta, Saint Pastore Abbey, and Santo Spirito d'Ocre. This network demonstrates how influential the Cistercian presence became in Abruzzo and how a single house expanded the order's reach throughout the territory.
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