A Day of Abbeys

In addition to all the lovely Umbrian hill towns, there are other treasures, as well. We are always open to any suggestions from Mary and Michael at Genius Loci of places to go and things to see, this trip the suggestion was Abbeys.
Mary had prepared an itinerary of beautiful abbeys that were tied together with a wonderful drive through the mountains along the Benedictine trail. Mary described it this way:

It is a no-hassle, relaxing, deeply rewarding day trip of unexpected treasures in magnificent settings, highlighted by a stop at two or three abbeys AND by a stop in the gastronomic capital of Umbria - in charming Norcia.

It was all that and more – and made for a lovely day.

1st stop: Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle

This was the former Benedictine abbey of Ferentillo, located on the side of a beautiful mountain slope. Unfortunately the hours the abbey was open had changed, and this day we were not able to go in to see the interior and its treasures. A return to this beautiful area is most definitely in the plan for the next trip.

2nd abbey: Abbazia di San Felice di Narco

This is a delightful 12th century church. The church is just off the road in a beautiful setting by a river – with a nice place to picnic or just enjoy the view if you are ready for a rest in the fresh air. The front of the abbey has a lovely rose window and the inside, simple with remains of lovely frescoes.

The reason this is named for St.Felice; He had moved there from Palestine in the 5th century, and at the time the locals were having serious problems with a dragon. With the help of an angel, Felice was able to get rid of it for them and performed other miracles.

3rd abbey: Abbazia di Sant’ Eutizio

This abbey founded by hermits Eutizio and Spes in the late 400s, which became an abbey under Benedictine rule. The abbey is set on the side of a steep mountain and has a campanile that sits high over the cloister. After taking in the lovely interior of the church itself, you must enjoy the grounds and courtyard of the church, as well.

The day we were here, as we walked up to the abbey, we could hear people coming through the woods to the opening. This was a group who had been hiking for a week through the mountains and small towns, and the hike to this abbey was their last stop. They were quite exhausted, but elated with all they had been able to enjoy.