Monastery of Saint Benedict, Benedictine monastery in Subiaco, Italy
The Monastery of Saint Benedict is a Benedictine abbey in Subiaco, Italy, built into the rocky cliff of Mount Taleo. The structure links several floors that incorporate natural caves and crevices within the mountain itself.
Benedict of Nursia withdrew to a cave in the mountain for three years during the 6th century. After this period, he founded his first monastic communities in the surrounding area.
The monastery contains extensive 13th and 14th-century frescoes from the Roman Popular School and Sienese School, including the earliest portrait of Saint Francis.
The monastery opens daily from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM, and guided tours in several languages are offered. The route involves narrow staircases and winding passages, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Rock inscriptions and medieval staircases lead to chapels that were built entirely inside natural caves. Among the frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries is the oldest known portrait of Francis of Assisi.
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