Santi Vito e Salvo
The Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo was a Cistercian monastery established in 1247 near San Salvo, Italy, by the mother abbey Santa Maria della Ferraria. Initially situated in a swampy area, the monks relocated to the town due to harsh conditions. The abbey flourished for a period before its abandonment in 1453 following a Turkish attack. Today, its original structures are lost, with modern buildings occupying the former site.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1247 by Santa Maria della Ferraria.
- ›Belonged to the Cistercian order.
- ›Relocated from a swampy area to within San Salvo.
- ›Abandoned in 1453 after a Turkish attack.
- ›Original abbey structures are completely lost.
- Original Well Discovered During Recent Excavations
- Two Lancet Windows, Remains of the Original Church
Abbazia Dei Santi Vito E Salvo
Founded In 1247, Relocated Due To Harsh Living Conditions, Abandoned In 1453 After A Turkish Attack
About Santi Vito e Salvo
The Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo was a monastic institution belonging to the Cistercian order, located in San Salvo, within the Province of Chieti, Italy. Its history is marked by its founding, relocation, and eventual abandonment, with little of its original physical structure remaining today.
History and Context
The abbey's establishment dates to 1247, initiated by its mother abbey, Santa Maria della Ferraria in Campania, which was a daughter house of the influential Abbey of Clairvaux. The initial site chosen for Santi Vito e Salvo was in a marshy area near San Salvo, presenting considerable challenges for the monastic community. The harsh living conditions at this location eventually led the monks to seek a more suitable environment and move their abbey to a site within the town itself.
The abbey subsequently developed in the area now recognized as "il quadrilatero." However, its existence was tragically cut short in 1453 when it was abandoned following an attack carried out by Turkish forces. This event led to the cessation of monastic life at the site and the eventual loss of its original buildings.
Architecture and Legacy
Today, the structures of the Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo are entirely lost. The area where it once stood has been redeveloped, with new buildings constructed around the footprint of the original cloister. The church that now occupies the site, the church of San Giuseppe, was built in the place of the abbey's former church. The only discernible remnants of the original monastic building are two lancet windows situated on the side of the current church. More recently, excavations in the vicinity have led to the discovery of the abbey's original well, offering a tangible link to its past.
While the physical abbey no longer stands, its history is preserved through scholarly works and historical records, contributing to the broader understanding of Cistercian monasticism in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo founded?
The Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo was founded in 1247. Its establishment was initiated by the mother abbey Santa Maria della Ferraria in Campania, which itself was part of the lineage of the Abbey of Clairvaux.
What happened to the original buildings of the abbey?
The original structures of the Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo are completely lost. New buildings have been constructed on and around the area where the original cloister was located.
Why was the abbey abandoned?
The Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo was abandoned in 1453. This decision was made following an attack launched by the Turks.
Where was the abbey originally located?
Initially, the Abbey of Santi Vito e Salvo was situated in a swampy area close to the town of San Salvo. However, the difficult living conditions there prompted the monks to move their abbey inside the town.
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