Abbey of San Pietro in Valle

The Abbey of San Pietro in Valle is a place of great historical and spiritual significance located in the picturesque region of Umbria. Founded in the 6th century by two hermits, Lazarus and James, the abbey flourished over the centuries, becoming a thriving monastic center. The origins of the abbey date back to 535 when the two hermits settled in the valley known as Valle Suppegna, attracted by the breathtaking landscape and spiritual atmosphere of the area. It was here that the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle began to take shape with the establishment of the first retreat, led by Lazarus, who became its first abbot. The history of the abbey is also intertwined with the figure of Duke Farolado I, who intervened to allow Lazarus to welcome anyone who wished to embrace monastic life according to the Benedictine rule of "Ora et Labora" (pray and work). After Lazarus’s passing, Duke Farolado II took the helm of the abbey, remaining in charge until his own demise. Farolado II’s body rests in a sarcophagus inside the abbey, in the left transept, while the remains of Giovanni and James, the second abbot, lie beneath the main altar. Throughout the centuries, the abbey developed as a powerful feudal domain protected by the city of Spoleto. The exterior of the church, in Romanesque style, features a bell tower dating back to the 9th century. Inside, the church boasts a single nave with a ceiling adorned with wooden beams, embodying the simplicity and spirituality of the Benedictine order to which the abbey has always been devoted. Among the artistic treasures enriching the abbey, the frescoes executed by the Master of Eggi around 1445 hold a prominent place. These frescoes, distributed along the walls of the central nave, depict stories from the Old and New Testaments, conveying a spiritual message and offering a captivating visual spectacle. The Abbey of San Pietro in Valle stands as a place of historical, artistic, and spiritual significance, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil atmosphere and discover its rich history and artistic works. It is a place where the past and spirituality blend to provide a unique and awe-inspiring experience.