Monastery of Saint Scholastica, Benedictine monastery in Subiaco, Italy.
The Monastery of Saint Scholastica is a Benedictine establishment in Subiaco with architecture spanning multiple periods and styles. The complex features three large cloisters: the oldest displays Cosmatesque patterns from the 13th century, a Gothic courtyard was added in the 14th century, and Renaissance structures date to the 16th century.
Founded around 520, this establishment ranks as the second-oldest Benedictine community in the world after Monte Cassino. The monks initially occupied structures that belonged to the nearby villa of Roman emperor Nero.
The monastery bears the name of Scholastica, sister of Saint Benedict, and this connection shapes the site's identity today. Visitors can trace this veneration through artworks and inscriptions visible in the cloisters.
A visit requires careful timing since the site operates only during specific hours with long breaks between morning and afternoon access. Arriving early helps secure entry and allows time to adjust for seasonal hour changes between winter and summer.
A remarkable detail involves early printing: two German monks brought the first Italian printing press here in 1465 and produced rare early printed books for the library. This technological innovation placed the site at the center of knowledge distribution when printing was still revolutionary.
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