The Abbey of Santa Maria di Chiaravalle of Fiastra is one of Italy's best preserved examples of Cistercian architecture. The Cistercian monks arrived here in 1142. The construction of the abbey began a year after their arrival in the area. The church has three naves, pointed vaults with cruciform pillars crowned with Romanesque capitals; it was built using materials taken from the ruins of the nearby Urbs Salvia, the Roman city destroyed by Alarico between 408 and 410. The nicest fifteenth century frescoes are in the second chapel of the church and are attributed to Camerino's school.The monastery houses a large cloister with low brick columns, segmental arches and a trussed roof. It still preserves the Chapter Room, the Refectory, the dormitory of conversi ( laymen), the "cellarium" and the "Oil room", where oil was stored. The cellars of the Abbey now house the Wine Museum and the Museum of Farming. The guest house provides six rooms, a kitchen and a large hall, able to accommodate groups and individuals.The abbey is included in the homonymous Nature Reserve covering an area of 1,800 hectares of land, between the towns of Urbisaglia and Tolentino, ten kilometers far from Macerata.
Links: Riserva naturale Abbadia di Fiastra
OPENING TIME: Chiesa aperta tutti i giorni dalle 07.00 alle 20.30 / Visite a Sala del Capitolo, Grotte, Cantine e Refettorio tutti i giorni dalle 10.00 alle 13.00 e dalle 15.00 alle
To see: Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Nicola Vaccaj Theatre, Abbadia di Fiastra Nature Reserve, Tolentino - Museum of the country civilization of the Abbey of Fiastra, Tolentino - The Museum of the Basilica of St. Nichoas of Tolentino, Tolentino - Archaeological Museum of the Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, Tolentino - International museum of the Caricature, Tolentino - Rancia Castle, Tolentino - Civic Archaeological Museum, Tolentino - Santa Lucia Thermal Spa
Flavors and Craft: Tolentino - Museum of the Sanctuary of San Nicola da Tolentino, Tolentino - The leather goods centre, Tolentino 815
A dip into the nature
The Marche Region in Blue Parks and Active Nature 6 days
Discover the Marche Spa Centres for a relaxing holiday.
Wellness 4 days
A Holy and cultural itinerary along the Via Lauretana
Art and Culture Spirituality and Meditation 2 days
A journey between knowledge and meditation
Spirituality and Meditation 5 days