Abbey of San Salvatore, Romanesque monastery in Abbadia San Salvatore, Italy
The Abbey of San Salvatore is a Romanesque monastery distinguished by its tall, narrow facade crowned by two bell towers, one remaining unfinished. Its interior houses thirty-two ornate columns within the crypt, a notable expression of medieval architectural craftsmanship.
The Lombard king Ratchis founded the monastery in 743, establishing it as a significant religious community. Later, it became an important stop along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
The crypt columns display intricate carvings of animals, plants, and geometric patterns, reflecting medieval craftsmanship and the religious symbolism of that era.
The small museum within the cloister opens regularly and displays liturgical treasures including a bust-reliquary of Pope Saint Mark in a manageable exhibition space. Visits tend to be unhurried here, as the site remains relatively quiet and allows visitors to examine details at leisure.
For nearly ten centuries, this site housed the Codex Amiatinus, one of the oldest Latin Bible manuscripts, before its transfer to Florence in 1786. This manuscript was a precious treasure that underscored the monastery's importance as a center of knowledge and preservation.
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