Fossanova Abbey

Fossanova Abbey

Abbey of Fossanova
Location within Italy
Monastery information
Order Cistercian
Established 1135
Site
Location Fossanova, Italy
Coordinates 41°26′17″N 13°11′45″E / 41.4381°N 13.1958°E / 41.4381; 13.1958Coordinates: 41°26′17″N 13°11′45″E / 41.4381°N 13.1958°E / 41.4381; 13.1958
Visible remains substantial
Public access yes

Fossanova Abbey, earlier Fossa Nuova, is a Cistercian monastery in Italy, in the province of Latina, near the railway-station of Priverno, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) south-east of Rome.

History

This Cistercian abbey is one of the finest examples of the Burgundian Early Gothic style in Italy, dated from around 1135.[1] Consecrated in 1208 by monks of the mother abbey of Hautecombe, retains the bare architecture, the magnificent rose window and finely carved capitals, reflecting the prominent role within the area.

A monk of Fossanova compiled the Annales Ceccanenses down to 1218.

En route to the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, the Dominican scholastic Thomas Aquinas died in the abbey on 7 March. Since 1935 pastoral duties in the local abbey parish were entrusted to the care of Franciscan Friars Community (OFMConv.).

Architecture

The frugal Gothic church (1187-1208) is cruciform and square-ended,[1] closely similar to that of Casamari and also of the great church at Citeaux. The church is flanked on one side by the cloister, along with the refrectory and chapter house and on the other side by the cemetery.[1] The nave at Fossanova dates from 1187 and the church was consecrated in 1208.

The other conventual buildings also are noteworthy. The hospital, guesthouse, gardens, and buildings related to the farm are all scattered throughout the walled enclosure.[1] At Fossanova there are buttresses set against the walls but they are small and more like classical pilasters than any form of flying buttress.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Newcomb, Rexford (1997). "Abbey". In Johnston, Bernard. Collier's Encyclopedia. I A to Ameland (First ed.). New York, NY: P.F. Collier. pp. 8–11.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Fossanuova". Encyclopædia Britannica. 10 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 731. 


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