Abbazia di Santa Maria, Medieval Cistercian abbey in Novara di Sicilia, Italy.
Description
Abbazia di Santa Maria is a former Cistercian monastery in Novara di Sicilia built with stone walls and traditional monastic design. The complex features the characteristic layout of religious communities with spaces organized for prayer and daily work.
History
The monastery was founded in 1167 and joined the Cistercian Order in 1172 under Abbot Hugo from Citeaux. In 1784 authorities moved the community to Messina following a disbandment order from Bourbon rulers.
Culture
The abbey operates under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, maintaining centuries of religious traditions.
Practical
The site is now protected Italian national heritage and open to visitors interested in religious buildings in the area. Exploring the complex allows you to see how a former Cistercian monastery was organized and built.
Did you know?
The monastery experienced multiple relocations throughout its history, reflecting the turbulent times religious orders faced in Sicily. These moves show how external political decisions directly shaped the lives of monastic communities.
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