Foligno - Abbazia di Sassovivo

The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is located on a mountain, about 6kms east of Foligno. The abbey was founded around 1070 on a site probably used already by the Umbri as sanctuary.

The abbey gained power and prestige. In the 13th century it "controlled" 97 convents, 41 churches (even 1 in Rome) and 7 hospitals. Decline started in the 15th century. The abbey suffered during the Napoleonic Wars, and in 1860, after the fall of the Papal States, its properties were divided between the Italian state, the local bishopric and privates.

Since 1979 the Community of the "Little Brothers of Jesus" live here.

The "Abbazia di Sassovivo" is known for its fantastic cloister created (and signed!) by Pietro de Maria (and his workshop) in 1229. One of the carvers here was Nicolo Vassaletto who as well worked in "San Paolo fuori le Mura" and "San Giovanni in Laterano". The cloister has a rectangular plan with 58 arcades supported by a double order of 128 columns