An iconic monument in Piedmont, the Abbey of San Michele della Chiusa was founded between 983 and 987; it was one of the most famous Benedictine abbeys in northern Italy and is among the largest architectural complexes of the Romanesque period in Europe, located along the path from Mont St. Michel to St. Michael of the Gargano. Its present imposing construction, begun around a small church dedicated to the archangel Michael, was built between the 11th and 14th centuries (Cover photo by Luca Martinacci).
The Sacra di San Michele has unique artistic and architectural elements, such as the zodiac portal and the staircase of the dead (12th cent.) and, outside, the monks' tomb, while the interior of the abbey church is embellished by Romanesque sculptures in the apse area and numerous frescoes from the 15th-16th cent.
The tour is enriched periodically by the special opening of the library, which was established from 1836, the year the Rosminian Fathers arrived on Mount Pirchiriano, and the old monastery, destroyed by Catinat's troops in the late 17th century. The library currently houses about 8,000 volumes, with texts from the 17th century onward, and is available for consultation upon request.
The Sacra di San Michele can be reached by car through the town of Avigliana, or by walking up via a mule track from Sant'Ambrogio.
Information: phone num. 011/939130. Web Sacra di San Michele
Address
- Sacra di San Michele
- Monte Pirchiriano
- Find on the map.
