Abbey of Santa Maria in Montepiano
This example of Tuscan-Emilian Apennine architecture bears testimony to the region's art and history
The Abbey of Saint Mary in Montepiano, in the municipality of Vernio, has its origins in a 12th century hermitage founded by Beato Pietro, a figure with strong links to local poetic traditions. Over the years a monastic complex developed around this hermitage and became incorporated in to the Vallombrosian Order.
The exterior of the church has maintained its original structure, built in local sandstone. The central doorway is particularly special with a finely sculpted architrave depicting two dragons circling a central cross. The upper lunette, also sculpted in wood, bears a central female figure surrounded by stylized trees.
The interior is characterized by a high-ceilinged central nave with wooden beams and boasts a number of notable artworks. On right-hand wall there are a series of three frescoes dated between 1260-1280 which represent the Nativity, Annunciation and the Archangel Michael. A powerful Saint Christopher is the work of as skilled Florentine painter and the lunette on the main door is decorated by a late-14th century fresco of the Madonna and Child.
