Monastero di Santa Maria a Rosano, Benedictine monastery in Rosano, Italy
Monastero di Santa Maria a Rosano is a Benedictine monastery in Rignano sull'Arno featuring a Romanesque church with three naves separated by square pillars and a semicircular apse. A Renaissance cloister adjoins the religious building and provides an enclosed courtyard space.
The monastery was founded in 780 and suffered destruction during attacks by Florentine forces in 1143. The Guidi family then supported its rapid reconstruction and restoration.
Benedictine nuns living here maintain their spiritual practices through Gregorian chants and Latin prayers each day. These daily rituals shape the religious life of the community and create a sense of devoted quietness.
The monastery is located at Borgo del Monastero 13 in Rignano sull'Arno near Pontassieve and Bagno a Ripoli. Visitors should check in advance whether the site is open, as it remains an active religious community with restricted visiting hours.
Inside the monastery is a painted Cross from the 12th century restored by Florence's Opificio delle Pietre Dure workshop, representing one of Italy's oldest painted panels. This rare artwork is frequently overlooked by visitors despite its historical importance to Italian artistic tradition.
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