Abbazia dei SS. Benedetto e Mauro al Tronto

An ancient center of culture, industry, charity and Benedictine spirituality penetrated the low Tronto valley, the monastery of St. Benedict preserved architectural elements dating from its founding all’Altomedioevo (VIII-IX century). The tradition and the documents they want to work this ancient monument cenobites of Monte Cassino and, in fact, the early history speaks of strong ties with the Abbey of Monte Cassino, who left an indelible mark in the thirteenth tile door basilica, made melt in the century XI abbot Desire S [anctus] BEN [edictus] I [n] TR [u] NTO CUM CELL S [anctae] MARGHARITAE. The cells were religious bodies formed by a church and a number of rural properties addicted to a senior center. In 1484 there did make major restoration work in the only nave of the abbey church, which assumed the double title SS. Benedict and Mauro in relation to the cult that had meanwhile developed against S. Mauro, the first disciple of St. Benedict, revered by pilgrims as a protector from epilepsy. Patron celebrations in impressive was the setting of the “bridge” made by aligning the farm carts, decorated the large wheels, the Tronto to facilitate transit for many believers of Abruzzo. Only manifestation of popular piety and devotion still practiced in the sanctuary is the traditional triple ride crypt touching the sacred stones Cenobitiche.

THE CRYPT – The bishops of the sixteenth century called it the cave made a beautiful cross of antiquity. The times deformed they taste rough and archaic, accentuated by the use of irregular river pebbles and the reuse of Roman roof tiles. Above the altar is kept a dressed stone carved with woven wicker typical eighth-ninth century, likely surplus of decorum of the primitive church remodeled in 1482.

THE CHURCH – The bishops Aprutini, whenever they visited, they heard from the voice of the onlookers that this church was de ‘monks. Here, the incomparable natural beauty is kept intact fifteenth-century vaults resting on tall pillars made from building tenants benefit of the ancient monastery, probably replacing the old truss. In the apse of the presbytery compartment accessible via two staircases on either side of the stone steps of seven, the only sculptural decoration is limited to a frieze of shell in a niche cuspidata that inscribes with a lancet archway decked.