The abbeys of Viboldone, Mirasole and San Pietro in Gessate
The abbeys of Viboldone, Mirasole and San Pietro in Gessate are three important monastic complexes located in the region of Lombardy, just a short distance from Milan. These historic places are extraordinary testimonies to the art and culture of the past, as well as having deep roots in the religious history of the region.
In this article, we will explore the history, artistic aspects and some fascinating curiosities surrounding these three abbeys.
Viboldone Abbey
Viboldone Abbey has origins dating back to the 11th century. It was founded in 1176 by a group of Cistercian monks from France, led by St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
The choice of construction site fell on a wooded area near San Colombano al Lambro, about 25 kilometers southeast of Milan.
The abbey underwent numerous restorations and modifications over the centuries, but it has retained its original Romanesque character. The church has a sober but charming facade with carved decorations and a Romanesque-style entrance portal.
What makes this place truly extraordinary are the artistic treasures it holds. Inside the walls visitors and worshippers can admire splendid frescoes, sacred artwork, sculptures and liturgical objects. The side chapels, choirs, aisles, and cloisters offer a wonderful fusion of art and religious devotion.
Viboldone Abbey is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the Lombardy region. Every year, hundreds of tourists and pilgrims visit this magical place to admire art, experience spirituality and immerse themselves in history.
Abbey of Mirasole
Nestled among green hills and rolling countryside stands a fascinating historical and spiritual treasure: the Abbey of Mirasole.
This ancient, 12th-century monastic complex, which attracts visitors from all over the world, is an extraordinary testimony to Romanesque art.
Mirasole was one of the cascine-abbbeys, kept by the Humiliati order, which were dedicated to cultivating the fields and making wool cloth using innovative systems for the time; in fact, the only machines in the surrounding area that made it possible to transform wool into felt were located here.
The Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, the religious heart of the Abbey, was built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Older is the bell tower, dating back to the 13th century.
The abbey church is a splendid example of Cistercian architecture, with its Romanesque-Gothic style. The interiors are equally fascinating, with frescoes and decorations dating back to different historical periods. Mirasole was an important center of knowledge and culture.
Mirasole Abbey is more than just a historic building. It is a place where art, spirituality and history come together to create a unique and moving experience. For anyone who wants an enriching and meaningful travel experience, this hidden gem of Lombardy is a must-see destination.
Abbey of San Pietro in Gessate
The last abbey we are talking about is located right in the heart of Milan, the splendid monastic complex represents an important testimony to religious history and art, with its architectural beauty and the deep spirituality it conveys.
TheAbbey of San Pietro in Gessate located in Corso di Porta Vittoria, opposite the Palace of Justice, not far from Piazza Fontana, dates back to the 15th century and is a fine example of 15th-century Lombard architecture.
The interior is adorned with frescoes, evidence of the artistry of master craftsmen of the past. It brings together a number of important paintings of the Lombard Renaissance, such as several chapels frescoed by Giovanni Donato Montorfano and especially the Grifi Chapel, decorated with spectacular Stories of St. Ambrose by Bernardino Butinone and Bernardo Zenale.
A hidden gem within the Lombard capital, this turns out to be a place of deep spirituality and extraordinary artistic beauty.
Curiosities about the Viboldone, Mirasole and San Pietro in Gessate Abbeys
The abbeys of Viboldone, Mirasole and San Pietro in Gessate, often a source of inspiration for literary and pictorial works have always had a kind of “aura of mystery” that has attracted writers, artists and visitors from all over the world.
Over the centuries, numerous legends and tales have developed around these places of worship, some of them involving hidden treasures, ghosts and ancient prophecies, fueling people’s imagination and interest in these sites.
Conclusion
Historical and artistic jewels of Lombardy, these abbeys have unique and fascinating stories
to tell. Their artistic beauties and curiosities have fascinated generations of people.
Historical and artistic jewels of Lombardy, these abbeys have unique and fascinating stories
to tell.Their artistic beauties and curiosities have fascinated generations of people.
