San Vittore alle Chiuse, Romanesque abbey in Genga, Italy
San Vittore alle Chiuse is a Romanesque abbey near Genga with a layout shaped like a Greek cross inscribed within a square. Four columns inside carry nine bays, and the space is crowned by an octagonal dome that rises above the other architectural elements.
The abbey was founded around the year 1000 and quickly became an important religious center in the region. By the middle of the 13th century, it governed around 42 churches and substantial lands, reflecting its power and influence at that time.
The church displays Eastern influences in its central layout, something you notice immediately upon entering. The way the space revolves around a center point creates a different feel from the long churches found elsewhere in the region.
The building sits in a gorge next to the Frasassi Caves and an ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Sentino River. Access is straightforward if coming from Genga, and you can visit both sites in a single day.
The building combines several tower types: an octagonal dome sits atop the main structure, while a cylindrical tower and a square tower mark the side elevations. This unusual mix of different shapes gives the building a distinct character that sets it apart from other Romanesque churches.
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