Abbey of San Caprasio in Aulla

The Abbey of San Caprasio is a medieval monastery with remains spanning different periods, its walls bearing layers of historical development across centuries. The partially excavated structures reveal the arrangement of a church, residential buildings, and defensive elements that were added and modified over time.

The monastery was founded in the late 9th century and received a new dedication about 200 years later that shifted its religious focus. Throughout the Middle Ages, it served as an important center for monastic life and regional commerce in Tuscany.

The name refers to Saint Caprasius, an early Christian martyr whose veneration at this site is documented from the 11th century onward. Visitors can observe how this location functioned over centuries as a spiritual waypoint for pilgrims traveling toward Rome.

The site is accessible on weekends with information available about the excavated structures on-site. Proper footwear is important since the ground is uneven and visitors walk among partially trench-like excavations.

Scientific excavations uncovered an impressive 10th-century tomb containing a rare plaster reliquary, revealing how significant this location was as a pilgrimage destination. The discovery of such a valuable religious object indicates the importance pilgrims placed on visiting this particular monastery.

Location: Aulla

Address: Piazza Abbazia, 13 - Aulla

GPS coordinates: 44.20742,9.96797

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:03