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Santo Spirito d'Ocre

The Abbey of Santo Spirito d'Ocre was a fortified Cistercian monastery located in Ocre, Italy. Established on an older religious site, it became a Cistercian abbey in 1248 and was governed by the Cistercians until 1692. The monastery is characterized by its defensive architecture, featuring walls and limited openings, with its internal components organized around a central church.

Key Facts

  • Founded in 1226 on the site of an older religious building that existed since 1222.
  • Became a Cistercian abbey in 1248, affiliated with the mother abbey of Casanova.
  • Ruled by Cistercian monks from 1248 until 1692.
  • Features fortified architecture with surrounding walls and few windows.
  • The interior layout includes a church and monastic rooms arranged in two buildings.
Santo Spirito d'Ocre
Founding Date
1226
Architectural Style

Fortified

Notable Features

Fortified Walls, Church

Location Details
Ocre, Province of L'Aquila, Italy.
Alternative Names

Monastero Di Santo Spirito D'Ocre

Denomination Or Order
Cistercian

About Santo Spirito d'Ocre

The Abbey of Santo Spirito d'Ocre was a significant Cistercian monastery situated in Ocre, within the Province of L'Aquila, Italy. Its construction in 1226 marked the establishment of a fortified religious complex on a site that had previously housed an older religious building since 1222.

History and Affiliation

Santo Spirito d'Ocre officially became a Cistercian abbey in 1248. Its establishment was a result of the influence of the mother abbey of Casanova, which was part of the Cistercian line of Clairvaux. The Cistercians maintained governance over the monastery for an extended period, from 1248 until 1692.

Architectural Characteristics

The monastery is notable for its fortified architecture. The entire abbey was enclosed by defensive walls, a feature that included a very limited number of windows and doors, underscoring its role as a protected institution. Within these walls, the traditional components of a monastery were preserved. The church is located on the north side, while the remaining monastic rooms are situated in two separate buildings on the west and east sides.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Abbey of Santo Spirito d'Ocre established?

The fortified monastery was built in 1226. It was constructed on the site of an ancient religious building that had been in existence since 1222.

What religious order was associated with Santo Spirito d'Ocre?

Santo Spirito d'Ocre was a Cistercian abbey. It was founded by the mother abbey of Casanova, which belonged to the line of Clairvaux.

What is notable about the architecture of Santo Spirito d'Ocre?

The monastery is a fortified building, enclosed by walls with a minimal number of windows and doors, emphasizing its defensive nature.

How long did the Cistercians govern Santo Spirito d'Ocre?

The Cistercians ruled the abbey from its establishment as a Cistercian abbey in 1248 until 1692, a period of over 400 years.