Viboldone Abbey

The Abbey of Viboldone is a significant monastic site located in Viboldone, a frazione within San Giuliano Milanese in the province of Milan, northern Italy. Its history is marked by the founding order, the Humiliati, and its subsequent custodians.

History and Development

The abbey's foundations were laid in 1176 by the Humiliati, an order comprising monks, nuns, and laypeople. This community was active in producing wool cloth and cultivating the surrounding fields, employing innovative agricultural techniques. The construction of the abbey continued for many years, with its façade being completed in 1348. The Humiliati order faced suppression by Pope Pius V in 1571, after which the abbey was transferred to the Olivetan Benedictines. However, the Olivetan Benedictines were compelled to leave in 1773 when the region of Lombardy came under Austrian control. Following a period of abandonment, the abbey found a new community in 1941, becoming the home of the Community of Madre Margherita Marchi, a group of Benedictine nuns.

Architectural Significance

The architecture of Viboldone Abbey is a notable feature. The façade, finished in 1348, presents a characteristic hut-shape, adorned with mullioned windows and exposed brickwork accented by white-stone decorations. It is vertically divided into three sections by semi-columns. The entrance portal is crafted from white marble and features a lunette with sculptures of the "Madonna with Child between the Saints Ambrose and John of Meda," flanked by Gothic niches housing statues of Saints Peter and Paul. The dark wood door dates back to the 14th century. The bell tower shares a similar aesthetic, with terracotta frames and small arcades surrounding double- and triple-mullioned windows, topped by small circular windows. Internally, the abbey is relatively unadorned, save for extensive frescoes attributed to the Giottesque school. The interior plan is rectangular, with a nave and two aisles, each divided into five spans. The first span exhibits Romanesque style, while the subsequent ones are Gothic, characterized by terracotta columns and high cross vaults, with ogival arches.

Artistic Treasures

The fresco decoration within Viboldone Abbey is particularly noteworthy. It includes a "Madonna in Maestà with Saints" and a large depiction of the "Universal Judgement," with Jesus at its center, the Damned to his left, and Satan overseeing the scene. Further artistic elements are found in the Music Hall, an annex to the church, which houses frescoes depicting Renaissance musical instruments.