Sant'Anna in Camprena, Renaissance monastery in Pienza, Italy
Sant'Anna in Camprena is a Renaissance-era Benedictine monastery on a hillside near Pienza, with stone walls and a bell tower set among cypress trees and farmland. Its buildings display the practical design typical of the period, reflecting how monks lived and worked daily.
The monastery was founded in 1324 and served as a spiritual center for the Olivetan branch of the Benedictine order. It remained active for centuries, eventually taking on new roles while maintaining its monastic roots.
The name combines Saint Anna with the rural setting that remains visible today. Visitors can sense how spiritual life and farming were once intertwined here, creating the character that still defines the place.
The location sits on a hillside and requires some climbing effort, but the elevated position offers views in all directions. Today it operates as an agriturismo with lodging and dining, so visitors stopping by should inquire about access options.
Early Renaissance frescoes decorate the refectory, painted by artist Antonio Bazzi in the early 1500s depicting religious scenes. These artworks remain visible today and let visitors see the painting techniques that were developing during that period.
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