Sassovivo Abbey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sassovivo Abbey
Abbazia di Sassovivo
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Frazione
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Sassovivo Abbey
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 Sassovivo Abbey
Location in Italy
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Umbria |
| Province | Perugia |
| Comune | Foligno |
| Elevation | 565 m (1,854 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postcode |
06034
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| Area code(s) | 0742 |
The Abbey of Sassovivo is an old and beautiful Benedictine monastery located in the Umbria region of central Italy. It's like a small village or area (called a frazione) within the larger town (or comune) of Foligno.
Contents
Where is Sassovivo Abbey?
The Abbey of Sassovivo is found deep inside an old forest filled with oak trees. It is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the town of Foligno. The abbey sits high up at 565 meters (1,854 feet) on a rocky hill. From this spot, it looks out over the amazing Valle Umbra valley.
History of the Abbey
How Sassovivo Abbey Started
The Benedictine monks built this abbey around the year 1070. It is believed that a monk named Mainhard, from Santa Maria di Sitria, started it. The abbey was built on the site of an old castle that belonged to the Monaldi family. People think this spot might have been a special holy place for the ancient Umbri people long ago.
Growth and Decline of the Abbey
The Abbey of Sassovivo quickly became very powerful and respected. By 1138, it owned land and buildings in many places, from Rome to Perugia, Spoleto, and Camerino. Over the next few centuries, it controlled 97 other monasteries, 41 churches, and 7 hospitals. Later, in the late 1400s, the abbey became part of the Olivetan Benedictine order.
However, the abbey started to lose its power from the 15th century onwards. During the Napoleonic Wars (around the early 1800s), parts of it were closed down. In 1860, after the Papal States fell, the abbey's properties were split up. They were divided between the Italian government, the local church, and private families. Today, the Diocese of Foligno, the Italian state, and a private family each own a part of the abbey.
Recent Times and Restoration
In 1979, the Bishop of Foligno asked the community of the Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas to live at the abbey. They still live there today.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, a big project took place to restore the abbey. The church itself is still being repaired because it was damaged by an earthquake in 1997.
What to See at Sassovivo Abbey
When you visit Sassovivo Abbey, here are some interesting places to explore:
- The Romanesque Cloister: This beautiful courtyard was built in 1229. It was designed by a stonemason from Rome named Pietro de Maria. The cloister has a rectangular shape with 58 arches. These arches are held up by 128 small, twisted columns. The tops of the columns (called capitals) have pretty lily decorations and colorful mosaic pieces. A large water tank was added in the middle in 1340. You can also see an old painting (a fresco) from the 14th century here, showing the Virgin Enthroned with Child.
- The Monastery: Inside the monastery building, there is a fresco from 1595 that shows the Last Supper. You can also see the dormitories (sleeping areas) that date back to the 13th century.
- Loggia del Paradiso: This is a special porch or balcony area. It has pieces of frescoes from the 15th century.
- Crypt of the Blessed Alano: This is an old underground room from the 11th century. It is a remaining part of Santa Maria in Valle, which was the very first building of Sassovivo Abbey.
- Passeggiata dell'Abate: This means "Abbot's Walk." It is a peaceful path that goes through the woods around the abbey. You will see many oak trees, juniper bushes, and Aleppo pine trees along the way.
