Abbey of S. Salvatore and Museum A place of charm and devotion among the hills of Vaiano
The Abbey of San Salvatore in Vaiano offers a fascinating journey through time. Built with skill by the Benedictine monks of Cassino between the 9th and 10th centuries, this marvellous structure has gone through ages and changes without ever losing its great beauty. During the 11th-12th century, after passing into the hands of the Vallombrosan monks, the Badia underwent architectural changes which further enriched its appearance.
Like many other monasteries and sacred places, the abbey was unfortunately abolished by the Napoleonic government in the 19th century and its treasures were sold. However, its spirit endured and it became the seat of a parish, continuing to exude a timeless sacredness.
Over the centuries, the abbey has undergone a series of restorations that have preserved and influenced both the exterior and interior of the building. The last of these restorations, completed in 1939, gave the exterior a new splendour, thanks to the use of fine Alberese filaretto.
The facade of the church, embellished with a restored portal with a magnificent archway, is a true masterpiece. Made with alternating blocks of alberese and green serpentine, the archway is decorated with a painting by Leonetto Tintori, depicting Christ the Savior. The lunette of the portal hosts this artistic wonder, while a mullioned window, added in 1939, fascinates the eyes with the same attention to detail. And we cannot forget the awesome bell tower, an authentic testimony of the thirteenth century, which stands proudly for 40 metres.
The interior of the abbey, despite the changes undergone over the centuries, still maintains traces of the Benedictine layout. The three naves, with impeccable plaster, are separated by elegant pillars that catch the gaze of visitors.
And then there is the cloister, a Renaissance jewel that was added to the abbey during the fifteenth century. Surrounded by monastic rooms, it is a place of incredible beauty. The vast corridors and rooms of the monastery are decorated with fascinating trompe l'oeil decorations, commemorative coats of arms and frescoes of invented landscapes, carrying you to a world of fantasy and contemplation.
The Museum of the Abbey of Vaiano: an exciting journey into the heart of a glorious past The Museum of the Abbey of Vaiano: an exciting journey into the heart of a glorious past
In 1999, after careful restoration works, the Museum of the Abbey of Vaiano reopened its doors to the public, offering an enriched experience for visitors. The museum itinerary winds through the rooms that were once part of the monastic refectory and the abbot's apartment, offering a complete vision of the precious role played by the monastery in the surrounding area.
Archaeological finds and works of sacred art narrate the fascinating history of the monastery over the centuries. The thematic rooms immerse visitors in the ancient food habits and daily life of the monks of Vaiano, revealing details woven into habits and traditions handed down over time. The ceremonies of the monastic liturgy are described in an involving way, allowing visitors to understand fully the spirituality and religious practice that animated the monastery.
But the museum is not limited only to the life of the monks. It also deals with the history of the Companies and Congregations, telling stories of devotion and faith that have permeated the community. A special section of the museum houses valuable furnishings and paintings from the parish church of Sofignano and the church of Savignano, further enriching the precious collection on display.
The Museum of the Abbey of Vaiano, which is part of the Houses of Memory circuit, invites you to immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience that embraces history, art and spirituality. Discover the testimonies of a fascinating past and be inspired by the grandeur of a monastery that deeply influenced the life of the local community.
The Museum is temporarily closed for restoration works.
Information
- Piazza Agnolo Firenzuola - Vaiano (PO)
Ticket: free entrance
Accessibility for disabled: yes
Website: http://www.casedellamemoria.it/it/le-case-associate/agnolo-firenzuola.html
Phone: 328 6938733
