2nd DAY
Morning: Breakfast and departure time for the
guided tour of the Abbeys. The Abbey of San Firmano (Montelupone),
built on three levels, was erected in the 10th century and then rebuilt
during the 13th century. The Abbey of S.Maria a Piè di
Chienti (Montecosaro Scalo) was erected in the 9th century.
Its fine interior consists of a lower and a upper church, with 14th
century frescoes. The Abbey of San Claudio (Corridonia),
with a singular structure that comprises two vessels of the same dimensions
built one above the other. Two spiral stairways in the corner towers
ascend to the terrace, which introduces the upper church through a
remarkable Romanesques doorway. Free time for refreshment.
Afternoon: The Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra is
one of the best preserved Cistercian monastery in Italy. Founded in the
12th century, it still preserves, besides the imposing church, many of
the ancient rooms of the monastery: refectory, chapter house, cloister,
cellar and store house. The abbey and its surrounding property lie within
the Fiastra Abbey Nature Reserve, where numerous species
of animals and plants enjoy special protection. The itinerary continues
in the Abbey of Rambona (Pollenza). This sandstone church
was founded in the 8th century by the Longobard queen Ageltrude. In the
interior a fascinating crypt with twin aisles divided by columns salvaged
from Roman monuments. Return to the Hotel, dinner and accommodation.
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