Abbazia di Sassovivo, Benedictine abbey on Mount Serrone, Foligno, Italy.
Abbazia di Sassovivo is a Benedictine monastery perched on Mount Serrone near Foligno in the Umbria region of Italy. The complex sits at approximately 565 meters above sea level within a protected forest of ancient holm oaks and spans around seven hectares of land.
The monastery was founded in 1070 by Benedictine monks led by a hermit named Mainardo and grew rapidly in power and influence. By the 12th century, it controlled an extensive network of other monastic communities and religious institutions across the wider region.
The marble cloister with alternating smooth and spiral columns shapes how visitors experience the abbey today. Walking through the inner courtyard, you notice the carefully carved stone arches that reflect the craftsmanship of medieval builders.
The monastery opens to visitors daily, but you should know that prayer times and religious services may limit access to certain areas of the complex. It's best to visit outside these times if you want to explore all sections without interruption.
A natural mineral spring called Fonte di Sassovivo flows near the monastery and is bottled by local companies for distribution throughout the region. This water carries the name of the place far beyond the abbey's immediate surroundings.
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