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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