Viboldone Abbey, Gothic monastery in San Giuliano Milanese, Italy
Viboldone Abbey is a Benedictine monastery near Milan with a facade of brick and white stone, decorated with pointed windows and semi-columns in the Gothic style. The church interior contains a series of frescoed walls and preserves the original wooden main door from the 14th century.
The monastery was established in 1176 by the Humiliati, a religious movement focused on simple living and manual labor. It later became a center for wool production and farming until 1571, when its economic role shifted and it continued as a spiritual community.
The interior displays Gothic frescoes from the Giotto school, including scenes of the Last Judgement and the Madonna in Majesty surrounded by Saints. Walking through the church, these painted walls show how medieval communities used sacred art to teach and inspire.
The monastery is located on Via dell'Abbazia in Viboldone and welcomes visitors during set hours. As an active religious community, visiting times may adjust for services, so it is best to confirm before planning your visit.
The original wooden entrance door from the 14th century survives with marble sculptures of religious figures in Gothic niches carved around it. Few buildings preserve such an ancient wooden entrance, making this door a remarkable example of medieval craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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