Fossanova Abbey

Fossanova Abbey, earlier Fossa Nuova, is a church that was formerly a Cistercian abbey located near the railway-station of Priverno in Latina, Italy, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) south-east of Rome.

Fossanova Abbey
Abbey of Fossanova
Location within Italy
Monastery information
OrderCistercian
Established1135
Site
LocationFossanova, Italy
Coordinates41°26′17″N 13°11′45″E
Visible remainssubstantial
Public accessyes

History

Fossanova is one of the finest examples of early Burgundian Gothic architecture in Italy, dating to around 1135.[1] Consecrated in 1208 by monks of its motherhouse of Hautecombe, it 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 is cruciform and square-ended,[1] similar to that of Casamari and Cîteaux Abbey. The church is flanked on one side by the cloister, along with the refectory 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] Buttresses are set against the walls but they are small and more like classical pilaster than flying buttress.

  • Presbytery of the church
  • Bell tower

See also

References
  1. Newcomb, Rexford (1997). "Abbey". In Johnston, Bernard (ed.). 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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