Abbey of Morimondo, Gothic abbey in Morimondo, Italy
The Abbey of Morimondo is a Gothic monastery in the village of the same name in Lombardy, consisting of a church, cloister and other buildings on sloping ground. The complex extends near the Naviglio di Bereguardo canal and shows massive brick walls with cross vaults inside.
Monks from the French abbey of Morimond came here in 1134 and laid the foundation for the monastery. In the late Middle Ages the community grew and later suffered damage from warfare between Milan and Pavia.
The monastic community developed a wide network for farming that remains visible in the layout of the surrounding fields today. The cloister shows sandstone columns worked by stonemasons from the order, reflecting the craft tradition of the Cistercians.
Guided tours take place mostly on weekends and provide insight into monastic life and construction methods. It is advisable to check current opening times before visiting, as they may change seasonally.
The hillside location required a stepped construction of buildings on different levels, which is rare for Cistercian monasteries. In the cells there are painted scenes showing the daily routine of the monks, giving insight into their routines.
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