Monasteries in Italy Part I

Charterhouse in Florence (Photo from Wikipedia)

Italy is famous for its rich and traditional relationship with the Church which allowed for the spread of Christianity and resulted in a great deal of real estate development and the creation of quite amazing art. Monasteries are perfect examples of all three, and among some of the best and most beautiful of them all. Let's begin our journey.

We can start with Monte Gargano which, unbeknown to most, was the first shrine in Western Europe. This enchanted Sanctuary is in Southern Italy, in the region of Puglia. The building is actually made of two main bodies: the Church, Santa Maria Maggiore, and the St. John's Baptistery. Like any other religious compound there is a gorgeous bell tower; this one has a particular historical meaning because it was built by Federico II, one of the most brilliant emperors in history who from Sicily initiated a new way of thinking about the modern world. On a more architectural note it is important to remember the Gothic portico that is dated at the end of the 15^th century.

Monastery at the basilica of Saint Francis,Italy

We head north to Padua now where we find the beautiful Basilica of St. Anthony which was finished around 1300. It is unique because it was influenced by the different architectural and art styles that were applied through the centuries and the many invasions that occurred in Padua. In this monastery one can see a Romanic style that shifts to Gothic; this is a remarkable architectural site to be studied.

From Padua it is a short trip to reach Venice, where the Basilica of St Mary of Salvation stands at the junction between the Grand Canal and the Bacino di San Marco on the lagoon. The Church has an octagonal shape; this is a building that, like the bell tower and Basilica of St. Mark, is very important in the overall look of the city, especially for its wide dome. The interior presents various beautiful colors and a gorgeous Baroque high altar, and of course the paintings of Titian. For those that have a film passion, the Basilica of St Mary of Salvation has been featured in several motion pictures, the most famous was Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Florence - Italy.

Traveling to the middle of Italy, about 70 miles southeast of Rome is the Abbey of Fossanova, one of the most significant Gothic constructions in Central Italy, built between the end of the 12^th and the beginning of the 13^th century. This abbey has ancient Roman origins; originally it was a Roman villa and it was later transformed by the Cistercian monks into a very important center of prayer and an exchange of ideas and art. Today the abbey offers lodging and food to pilgrims and of course it offers a wonderful spiritual experience which includes all the celebrations and rituals of the Catholic Church. Many people enjoy having their weddings at Fossanova or baptize their children there, and others seek a more intensive experience and spend a few days there in meditation and communion with their inner selves and with God.

Monte Cassino Monastery, Italy.

Let's go now to one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Florence. Among the many art samples and gorgeous Churches, Florence also hosts the Charterhouse or Certosa del Galluzzo, right on the hills of Florence in a heaven-like location. This complex was built in 1341, financed by the sponsorship of a rich Florentine man, Niccolò Acciaiuoli, who envisioned a place that could be a religious and cultural center, especially for the younger generations, and would be considered the heart and soul of the city. The enchanting scene of the Charterhouse is of a mini-city where everything is balanced around both humans and nature. Life is simple and very basic, yet deep and spiritual. Earth products can be found and it is worthwhile to purchase some articles to bring home.

Part II continues the discussion of Italian monasteries.