Abbey of Santo Stefano in Rivomaris, Italian abbey
The Abbey of Santo Stefano in Rivomaris is a medieval monastery in ruins near Casalbordino on Italy's coast. The structure consisted of a church with three sections separated by columns, featuring a mosaic floor with geometric patterns, plants and animals, along with buildings for monastic life.
The abbey was founded around 971 by Marquis Trasmondo to watch over the coast and help travelers. In the 15th century it was heavily damaged by pirates and attacks, but never fully recovered from this destruction.
The name Santo Stefano refers to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Over centuries, the abbey was a spiritual center where monks prayed, worked, and buried their dead, showing how closely it was woven into the daily life of the local community.
The site is easy to reach from Casalbordino and sits in a quiet area with fields and narrow streets, making exploration straightforward. Visitors should know the abbey consists mainly of ruins and sits at an elevated point overlooking the coast.
The church mosaic features a vine symbolizing life and a deer symbolizing longing for spiritual renewal after baptism. These details were revealed through archaeological excavations and offer insight into the theological meaning the monks placed on their surroundings.
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