Abbazia di Fossanova
Abbazia di Fossanova
4.5

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles405 reviews
Excellent
301
Very good
94
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
3

Brun066
Florence, Italy12,580 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
It's a well-known notion that the Gothic style has taken root weakly in Italian architecture. The fundamental features of the Gothic cathedrals were only partially imported into Italy: for example, the vertical thrust of the churches is less marked, and the large windows making the cathedrals north of the Alps buildings - so to speak - with "walls of glass ”, are almost absent (except in the apse of the Milan Cathedral, the exception proving the rule)
Furthermore, while north of the Alps the Gothic style was long-lived, in Italy it was no longer practiced since the beginning of the fifteenth century: the Cathedral of Milan and San Petronio in Bologna were begun respectively in 1386 and 1390, but they are an 'exception.
For these reasons, the visit to the abbey of Fossanova seemed all the more fascinating to me, since it's established that through the building of the Cistercian abbeys there was the penetration into Italy of a version of the Gothic style, which then had a typically Italian development. It is true that I have known San Galgano in Tuscany since many years; but Fossanova passes for being the "eldest" of these abbeys in Italy (it was consecrated in 1208, but the building activity started at the end of the previous century).
The visit of the abbey church is exciting. The interior, bare and austere, shows even better the Gothic innovation of the ogival vaults and bundled pillars. Other details are typical of the abbeys of this monastic order, such as the rectangular choir, the tall tiburium at the intersection of the arms of the church, the simple and squared façade, embellished by a splendid rose window (Fossanova lacks the portico in front of the façade, which instead once existed, and which can still be seen in the nearby Casamari).
To the experience of architectural essentiality enjoyed in the abbey church are then to be added the evocative elements of the actual abbey, a large and complex building, which preserves all its parts properly and allows its former functioning to be well understood. Among the various parts of the abbey, I cannot fail to mention the splendid cloister, a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic elements, overlooked by the equally splendid refectory and chapter house.
I think these hints are enough to understand that this spot is a highlight of southern Lazio that should not be overlooked.
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Haakon Thue L
Oslo, Norway39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017 • Couples
A beautiful place. Make sure you go everywhere in the buildings. It is serene, little gold and art, many nice details.
Written 18 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ukester
Orlando, FL48 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Friends
So much is made of cathedrals and basilicas and the arts that they hold, and rightfully so. But a visit to a monastery leaves you with an understanding of religious retreats and their purpose to their faiths.
Written 28 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jerryhardy
Bournemouth, UK112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2016 • Couples
Have seen many a church/cathedral etc. in my time as they say but the largeness and simplicity of this abbey made me feel quite emotional. In fact I still do! Worth a walk round the grounds as well. I agree with all the top reviewers too.
Written 26 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DaianaMag
Perth, Australia27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2015
This is my 4th? visit to the abbey in the last 30+ years and it gets better every time! I learn something new on each visit. On this visit I discovered that the block of granite off to a corner of the abbey is where apparently St Thomas Acquinas' donkey left 2 of it's hoof prints embedded in the block!
The renovations have been completed and what a great restoration. There is a section of the original floor inside the church which can be seen under a sheet of glass flooring. Shows you how it looked like and also the depth of where the original floor was.
For a peaceful reflective visit, this is the place to have it.
Written 5 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jeneve
Cairns, Australia35 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2015
Visiting the Abbey at Fossanova was a delight. The abbey itself is beautiful, very simple and with minimal adornment, it is clearly a mun-loved place of worship and reflection. The chapel of St Thomas Aquinas is a must-see, and the surrounding buildings and courtyard are delightful. The associated museum is open on weekends and holidays which was disappointing as we were ther on Wednesday, but there is a nice little bar making locket coffee and snacks. Definitely worth a visit for anyone with an interest in religious and architectural history, but try timing your visit for the weekend.
Written 1 October 2015
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Roger A
Brussels537 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Friends
An impressive abbey with many interesting architectural features especially the individual columns surrounding the cloisters. The grounds are quite large and walking through the hamlet was a peaceful experience. We stopped for drinks under some shady trees at cafe where prices were reasonable. I was surprised to see that most of the shops were closed, even on a Saturday.
Written 22 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Abbazia di Fossanova

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