Monastery of St. Benedict, Minor basilica and monastery in Ancarano di Norcia, Italy.
The Monastery of St. Benedict is a basilica and monastic complex in Norcia, Italy, built on foundations dating to the sixth century. The structure combines stone walls, arched openings, and layers of medieval and later construction that developed over the centuries.
Monks built the first chapel on the site believed to be where Benedict of Nursia was born around the year 480. Later generations expanded the building into the present basilica, which was damaged and rebuilt several times following earthquakes.
The basilica contains medieval frescoes from the Roman Popular School and Sienese School, including the earliest known portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi.
A visit typically takes around one hour and includes the church and accessible sections of the monastery. The complex sits in the historic center of Norcia, within a short walk from the main square.
Sections of natural rock walls were incorporated directly into the building structure and remain visible inside the rooms today. This union of stone and construction shows centuries of adaptation to the terrain.
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